Power In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Throughout the book we are introduced to many characters with traits and qualities that make them each memorable and unique. These characters have interactions among each other that shows the way that power affects them. While there are a few characters that do not abuse their power, most of the characters respond to power or a lack of power with acts to make themselves make themselves feel more powerful. In Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck uses the strengths and weaknesses of various characters to show how characters can prey on weaker characters in order to make themselves seem superior.
Curley’s wife exposes her dissatisfaction with her current life, but then hastily disparages all of those who have learned of her powerlessness. All the men except

She flares up once Curley is brought up and says “Think I’m gonna stay in that two-by-four house and listen how Curley's gonna lead with his left twict, and then bring in the ol’ cross?” (78) In this moment of uncontrolled and bottled up anger, she reveals that her marriage to Curley is an unhappy one. When she complains about Curley, it shows how tired she is of his constant violent threats upon other people. She makes it apparent that she doesn’t like Curley’s personality. She also expresses her unhappiness of being stuck in the house, which may explain why she is often found around the farm supposedly looking for Curley and trying to start up conversations with the men. A few moments later, she begins talking about her aspirations. She says, “I tell ya I could of went with shows. Not jus’ one, neither. An’ a guy tol’ me he could put me in pitchers” (78) As speaks about her dreams it becomes apparent that she has pent up emotions concerning this topic. Her passion and longing for an entirely different life makes it apparent that she is extremely dissatisfied with her current situation. Once she finishes talking about her problems, she