How are women portrayed in 'Of Mice and Men'?

There is just one significant female character in the play: Curley's wife. Notably, she is never referred to by name, only in relation to her husband, like an object. Curley's wife is not necessarily likeable, as shown by her mistreatment of Crooks, but we can of course feel sympathy for her situation. A woman with very little agency, her whiteness gives her a limited amount of power over Crooks, and she misues this power - perhaps reflecting the treatment others inflict on her.

How do you think she feels, alone on a ranch surrounded by men and cruel husband? Is her death tragic? Does the abuse Candy hurls at her lifeless body suggest anything about the value placed on women's lives?

In the society depicted in this book, women are allowed two roles: caregivers (eg. Aunt Clara) and whores (as mentioned in the brothel). Falling somewhere between these roles, Curley's Wife is ostracised, though this certainly makes her more realistic.