“Seems like Curley is cockier’n ever since he got married.”
George grunted. “Maybe he’s showin’ off for his wife.”
– John Steinbeck
Of Mice and Men, Chapter 2, Candy and George. Curley treats his wife like a possession. She is never referred to by name, but merely as Curley’s wife. Sexism was a very prominant part of 1930s America and led to the mistreatment of women such as Curley’s wife. Curley is a small man who constantly tries to show off and act tough.