Describe the relationship between two characters in Of Mice and Men.

Introduction: Set of the two characters I wish to discuss and setting up my argument. For example- I could focus on the relationship between Curley’s wife and Lennie. Paragraphs- include the PEEL structure (point, evidence, explanation, link to context and question) For example- Curely’s wife and Lennie are strongly connected through the wanting to achieve their own ‘American Dreams’ however are prevented from achieving them because of their physical attributes. Curely’s wife is mainly described in relation of her physical appearance or of other men’s opinions. This is clearly demonstrated in her first entrance. The symbolism of her blocking out the light in the doorway is an example of her being a dangerous presence to the narrative. Her ability to block out the light symbolically represents how her falling victim to Lennie at the end, ultimately ends George and Lennie’s ‘American Dream’, her murder makes it impossible for the two men to live a normal life ever again. Her dangerous nature is further emphasised by the repetition of the colour red. Her ‘’rouged lips’’, red fingernails, and her red clothing reveals her as being physically dangerous due to her obviously ‘’purty’’ appearance. She provides a distraction for Lennie, his fascination with her physical appearance is ultimately leads to her death. The objectification of her, caused by the detailed focus of her looks also symbolises how she is a product of the 1920s ideal. She is trying to mask her unsatisfactory life with the glamour that she wishes she had. This, however, does nothing but distance herself from her environment and add to her loneliness and longing.Lennie’s obsession with achieving his ‘American Dream’ is also limited due to his physicality, if it was not for his uncontrollable strength then he would not have killed Curely’s wife, enabling him and George a chance to own their own land. The repetition of the phrase ‘’tend the rabbits’’ from Lennie, exemplifies the consuming nature of this dream. It appears to be the only thing he can use to cling onto the reality of his circumstance. Without the constant reassurance of being able to tend the rabbits, Lennie would not be able to survive the desolate world of the Great Depression. His physical strength enables him to work in the few jobs available but also prevents him from achieving his dream. In the moment in which Lennie and Curley’s wife are in the barn, they are paralleled in their isolation created by their obsession of their dreams and hopes. The overlapping of their conversations and thoughts about these ideal worlds enables the importance of their dreams to be revealed, they do not care about anything or anyone else. Their obsession of achieving their dream connects the two characters. Their inability to achieve these dreams are also linked through the limitations that their physicality creates. Curley’s wife’s beauty displaces her and makes her fascinating to Lennie, who then is overcome with his strength which leads to her death which prevents their dreams from being achieved. Conclusion- connecting all aspects of the relationship into a solid finishing argument- useful to think about the link to the context of the time period and wider context within the book.