What is the significance of the colour 'red' in Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men'?

The colour red was used to symbolise Curley's wife. It is described that her nails, dress and other physical characteristics as being red. This portrays her character as perhaps being quite promiscuous and of a sexual nature. The colour red can be associated with lust and love and therefore, her character is seen as a confident woman with a desire for attention. We can also associate the colour red as a way to foreshadow her unfortunate death. Red can be associated with blood and thus, shows that eventually, her desire for attention gets her killed. 

Related English Literature GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What are the four sentence moods and what do they signify?


What does Macbeth mean when he says he will turn 'the multitudinous seas incarnadine' - Act 2, Scene 2?


How do you choose quotations, and how do you use them in a paragraph?


How do you analyse a quote?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences