Feminism in the Great Depression
Of Mice and Men written by John Steinbeck is a novella that tells the story of two migrant workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, who become nomads in an attempt to find work in the middle of the Great Depression. These two characters obtain a rarity, as they are one of the few men to have a companion. Together they face challenges due to Lennie’s mild mental disorder, which inevitably thrusts them into many strenuous situations with animals, African Americans, and females. Specifically, the women in the story are depicted as distractions and often are introduced in a demeaning manner: thus, females are the reason to the climax of the story. In this character driven novella, John Steinbeck objectifies women and portrays them as being substantially inferior to males in order to unveil the superiority of men during the 1930’s.
Of Mice and Men is notorious for John Steinbeck’s controversial language that is frequently used to degrade females simply by how they are described. In the beginning of the novella, the reader is introduced to Curley’s wife. Already it is evident that women are thought of as being subordinate, as this main character is never given an actual name. Nevertheless, John Steinbeck describes her as, “ [having] full, rouged lips and wide-spaced eyes, heavily made up. Her fingernails were red. Her hair hung in little rolled clusters, like sausages. She wore a cotton house dress and red mules, on the insteps of which were little bouquets of little ostrich feathers.” (31). From this lengthy and detailed description one can draw the conclusion that Steinbeck wants the reader to get a clear image of Curley’s wife by leaving little room for imagination. Later, she is mentioned as “standin’ in the doorway showin’ her legs” (32) and how the men would “see plenty [because] she ain’t concealin’ nothing.” (51). These quotes reveal how women were often perceived as sexual beings because of the immense detail that describes Curley’s wife’s physique.
The provocativeness of women is enhanced further in the novella when the element of prostitution is introduced. In the midst of discussing ways the men at the farm have fun, Susy’s place (or whorehouse) is mentioned. Whorehouses are places where men would go to “get drunk and get ever’thing otta his system all at once” (56) by engaging in sexual activity with a prostitute. Although places like this still exist today, there is a clear difference between the roles of women in society from the 1930’s to now. In the 1930’s, a woman’s purpose was often seen as only to fulfill the needs of men. Whether this was through their sexuality or the types of jobs women obtained, females were rarely seen as strong independent people who could provide for themselves as they are depicted today. The fact that the males in Of Mice and Men see women as a way to have fun, by treating them as objects or toys, clearly exemplifies women’s inferiority during the Great Depression.
Lennie and Curley’s wife’s relationship continues to focus on the sexuality and seductiveness of women during the Great Depression. As previously stated, Lennie’s mental retardation creates great stress between himself and George. Lennie’s childlike behavior forces the duo to move numerous times, but nothing compares to his interactions with Curley’s wife. It seems as if the moment he lays eyes on her, he is captivated by her presence. And his infatuation becomes so evident that George has to tell him not to, “even take a look at the bitch. I don’t care what she says and what she does. I seen ‘em poison before, but I never seen no piece of jailbait worse than her. You leave her be” (32). But Lennie, blind to the potential consequences of his thoughts, allows Curley’s wife to seduce him. “She moved closer to him and spoke soothingly” (87). Lennie quickly became angry and without being completely aware, killed her. But the way the scene is written leaves one to believe that the way Curley’s wife wouldn’t stop flirting, is the direct reason for her death; that she brings the end of her life onto herself and that she almost deserves it. Prior to this traumatic event, Lennie kills a puppy as well. After his innocent murder of the two creatures, he continued to hide them in the same manner. “Curley’s wife law on her back, and she was half covered with hay” (92). This entire scene draws interesting parallels between animals and women as well as depicts females in yet another, provocative light.
Another element that unveils the dominance of men is how women are presented as being needy and reliant on them to care for anything other than a house. In the novella, females are portrayed as only living for the benefit of men. Curley’s wife is constantly looking for Curley and asks the workers about his whereabouts. Eventually, the consistency of her questions trigger Whit to say, “seems like she can’t keep away from guys” (51). From this quotation, the reader is infused with the idea that Curley’s wife expects something from the men besides an answer and that whatever that may be, is the reason for her constant appearances. And although it is never actually stated what her intentions really are, John Steinbeck’s language is very persuasive in convincing the reader to believe just what the men do. The second example that shows how women are reliant on men is in regard to one of the other few female characters and her husband, Slim. In the beginning of Lennie and George’s time at the ranch, they are introduced to their housing members. At this time Carlson asks Slim about his wife and refers to her as his “bitch” (35). Surprisingly, at this very early point in the novella, Slim responds lacking any bit of defense in saying, “She slang her pups last night. Nine of ‘em. I drowned four of ‘em right off. She couldn’t feed that many” (35). This reveals how the males also feel the need to excessively control what the women care for. Yet simultaneously, the men still believe that women belong in houses and caring for the family. Therefore, in Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck proves the superiority of men by demeaning women in the small actions they partake in throughout the story.
The last way that females are demeaned in the novella is through their objectification. While discussing Curley’s personality Candy declares, “Seems like Curley is cockier’n ever since he got married (27)”. Although subtle, this quotation suggests that, like a trophy, women are something to be proud of and to brag about. Curley’s personality is even noted to change for the worse after his marriage because he now has the ability to boast about something that the other men don’t have. Therefore, women can also be seen as a gloating opportunity due to their objectivity.
In conclusion, Of Mice and Men contains an abundance of examples that prove how women in the 1930’s were treated. Their capabilities were often overlooked and only seen as erotic humans whose duty was to fulfill man’s sexual desires or to take care of a house. In addition, women are continuously depicted as being helpless, needy, and are often objectified. John Steinbeck intentionally does not include one alive, independent woman that would balance the majority of negative portrayal. This serves as a way to stress the greatness of men. The contrast of the two genders is clear and concise and therefore, has caused great controversy.
Of Mice and Men written by John Steinbeck is a novella that tells the story of two migrant workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, who become nomads in an attempt to find work in the middle of the Great Depression. These two characters obtain a rarity, as they are one of the few men to have a companion. Together they face challenges due to Lennie’s mild mental disorder, which inevitably thrusts them into many strenuous situations with animals, African Americans, and females. Specifically, the women in the story are depicted as distractions and often are introduced in a demeaning manner: thus, females are the reason to the climax of the story. In this character driven novella, John Steinbeck objectifies women and portrays them as being substantially inferior to males in order to unveil the superiority of men during the 1930’s.
Of Mice and Men is notorious for John Steinbeck’s controversial language that is frequently used to degrade females simply by how they are described. In the beginning of the novella, the reader is introduced to Curley’s wife. Already it is evident that women are thought of as being subordinate, as this main character is never given an actual name. Nevertheless, John Steinbeck describes her as, “ [having] full, rouged lips and wide-spaced eyes, heavily made up. Her fingernails were red. Her hair hung in little rolled clusters, like sausages. She wore a cotton house dress and red mules, on the insteps of which were little bouquets of little ostrich feathers.” (31). From this lengthy and detailed description one can draw the conclusion that Steinbeck wants the reader to get a clear image of Curley’s wife by leaving little room for imagination. Later, she is mentioned as “standin’ in the doorway showin’ her legs” (32) and how the men would “see plenty [because] she ain’t concealin’ nothing.” (51). These quotes reveal how women were often perceived as sexual beings because of the immense detail that describes Curley’s wife’s physique.
The provocativeness of women is enhanced further in the novella when the element of prostitution is introduced. In the midst of discussing ways the men at the farm have fun, Susy’s place (or whorehouse) is mentioned. Whorehouses are places where men would go to “get drunk and get ever’thing otta his system all at once” (56) by engaging in sexual activity with a prostitute. Although places like this still exist today, there is a clear difference between the roles of women in society from the 1930’s to now. In the 1930’s, a woman’s purpose was often seen as only to fulfill the needs of men. Whether this was through their sexuality or the types of jobs women obtained, females were rarely seen as strong independent people who could provide for themselves as they are depicted today. The fact that the males in Of Mice and Men see women as a way to have fun, by treating them as objects or toys, clearly exemplifies women’s inferiority during the Great Depression.
Lennie and Curley’s wife’s relationship continues to focus on the sexuality and seductiveness of women during the Great Depression. As previously stated, Lennie’s mental retardation creates great stress between himself and George. Lennie’s childlike behavior forces the duo to move numerous times, but nothing compares to his interactions with Curley’s wife. It seems as if the moment he lays eyes on her, he is captivated by her presence. And his infatuation becomes so evident that George has to tell him not to, “even take a look at the bitch. I don’t care what she says and what she does. I seen ‘em poison before, but I never seen no piece of jailbait worse than her. You leave her be” (32). But Lennie, blind to the potential consequences of his thoughts, allows Curley’s wife to seduce him. “She moved closer to him and spoke soothingly” (87). Lennie quickly became angry and without being completely aware, killed her. But the way the scene is written leaves one to believe that the way Curley’s wife wouldn’t stop flirting, is the direct reason for her death; that she brings the end of her life onto herself and that she almost deserves it. Prior to this traumatic event, Lennie kills a puppy as well. After his innocent murder of the two creatures, he continued to hide them in the same manner. “Curley’s wife law on her back, and she was half covered with hay” (92). This entire scene draws interesting parallels between animals and women as well as depicts females in yet another, provocative light.
Another element that unveils the dominance of men is how women are presented as being needy and reliant on them to care for anything other than a house. In the novella, females are portrayed as only living for the benefit of men. Curley’s wife is constantly looking for Curley and asks the workers about his whereabouts. Eventually, the consistency of her questions trigger Whit to say, “seems like she can’t keep away from guys” (51). From this quotation, the reader is infused with the idea that Curley’s wife expects something from the men besides an answer and that whatever that may be, is the reason for her constant appearances. And although it is never actually stated what her intentions really are, John Steinbeck’s language is very persuasive in convincing the reader to believe just what the men do. The second example that shows how women are reliant on men is in regard to one of the other few female characters and her husband, Slim. In the beginning of Lennie and George’s time at the ranch, they are introduced to their housing members. At this time Carlson asks Slim about his wife and refers to her as his “bitch” (35). Surprisingly, at this very early point in the novella, Slim responds lacking any bit of defense in saying, “She slang her pups last night. Nine of ‘em. I drowned four of ‘em right off. She couldn’t feed that many” (35). This reveals how the males also feel the need to excessively control what the women care for. Yet simultaneously, the men still believe that women belong in houses and caring for the family. Therefore, in Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck proves the superiority of men by demeaning women in the small actions they partake in throughout the story.
The last way that females are demeaned in the novella is through their objectification. While discussing Curley’s personality Candy declares, “Seems like Curley is cockier’n ever since he got married (27)”. Although subtle, this quotation suggests that, like a trophy, women are something to be proud of and to brag about. Curley’s personality is even noted to change for the worse after his marriage because he now has the ability to boast about something that the other men don’t have. Therefore, women can also be seen as a gloating opportunity due to their objectivity.
In conclusion, Of Mice and Men contains an abundance of examples that prove how women in the 1930’s were treated. Their capabilities were often overlooked and only seen as erotic humans whose duty was to fulfill man’s sexual desires or to take care of a house. In addition, women are continuously depicted as being helpless, needy, and are often objectified. John Steinbeck intentionally does not include one alive, independent woman that would balance the majority of negative portrayal. This serves as a way to stress the greatness of men. The contrast of the two genders is clear and concise and therefore, has caused great controversy.