Key Quotes: Curley's Wife Flashcards
She had 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 red ostrich feathers.
Top, p.53
First description of C’s wife
Makes her sound like she wants to be attractive but she actually isn’t
‘Sausages’ - similie - unattractive
‘Ostrich feathers’ - wants to be glamorous which links with her dream to become an actress
“Well, you keep away from her, ‘cause she’s a rattrap if I ever seen one.”
Bottom, p.54
George says this - he can instantly see she’s trouble just at a glance
‘Rattrap’ - she’s dangerous and she’ll lure you in
She regarded them amusedly. “Funny thing,” she said. “If I catch any one man, and he’s alone I get along fine with him. But just let two of the guys get together an’ he won’t talk. Jus’ nothing but mad.”
Middle, p.110
C’s wife is talking about her sexual power
‘Amusedly’ - she’s trying to make them feel ashamed
The ranch workers don’t want to talk to her because Curley might found out and there’ll be trouble - she’s a rattrap
“I tell ya I could of went with shows. Not jus’ one, neither. An’ a guy tol’ me he could put me in pitchers…” She was breathless with indignation.
Middle, p.111
Insight into C’s wife’s dream
Just at the thought of it makes her excited
