Steinbeck's Portrayal Of Women In Of Mice And Men

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Steinbeck's Views of Women in 1930’s

Eleanor Roosevelt once said “A woman is like a tea bag - you never know how strong she is till she gets in hot water.” this relates to a lot of women throughout the 1930s though many people didn't realize, women were extremely vital to our society throughout the Great Depression. Although many people thought women were treated well during the 1930s, Steinbeck believes women were subjected to bad treatment and were not recognized for their efforts during this time, therefore, Steinbeck believes people should understand and appreciate women for all they did throughout the Great Depression.

Before analyzing specific details and examples of women in Of Mice and Men, it is important to understand …show more content…
He shows this is in many different ways throughout the book. “Don't you even take a look at that bitch. I don't care what she says or what she does. I see them poison before, but I never seen no piece of jailbait worse than her.” (p.54). Steinbeck included this because it shows the views during this time and helps get his point across of men overruling the women. It shows the views men had of women during this time and how they felt towards them by describing them using vulgar language and harsh tones. He also talks about a woman's place in society. “Ranch with a bunch of guys on it ain't no place for a girl, specially like her.” (p.78). This shows the sexism and control the men think they have over women and the place they should be in society. In this time period women had a specific place in society and should not try anything new or things men do. He also shares the roles of women throughout this time period. ‘Whyn't you tell her to stay home where she belongs.” (p. 90). It shows the role men thought women should play of staying at home. It proves the point that men think women don't have a place on the farm and need to be at home not out trying to make something of their
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