Curley's wife, a character in John Steinbeck's novel Of Mice and Men, harbors dreams of becoming a glamorous Hollywood star. However, his dream is ultimately destroyed due to various circumstances. This essay will explore how Curley's wife's dream was shattered due to her limited opportunities, society's expectations, and the oppressive environment of the ranch. By analyzing these factors, it becomes apparent that Curley's wife's American dream was unattainable, leaving her trapped and isolated. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Topic Sentence: Curley's wife's limited opportunities prevented her from pursuing her American dream. Curley's wife's dream of becoming a Hollywood star was severely limited by her circumstances. As the only woman on the ranch, she faced isolation and was denied the same opportunities as her male colleagues. Throughout the narrative, Curley's wife expresses her frustration at being "stuck on this ranch" (Steinbeck 89). His dream of moving beyond the confines of the ranch and pursuing a career in show business was a constant reminder of his unfulfilled aspirations. However, the lack of support and opportunities available to him ultimately destroyed his dream. Furthermore, Curley's wife's lack of agency and control over her life contributed to the failure of his American dream. She is depicted as a possession of her husband, Curley, and is referred to as "Curley's wife" rather than by her name. This lack of individual identity further demonstrates his limited opportunities in pursuing his dreams. She confesses to Lennie, “I could have done something on my own” (Steinbeck 89), revealing her desire for independence and self-actualization. Topic Sentence: Society's expectations played a significant role in the destruction of Curley's wife's dream. they were very restrictive towards women during the 1930s and Curley's wife was no exception. As a woman, she was expected to conform to traditional gender roles and serve as a wife and mother. However, her dreams of becoming a Hollywood star defied these expectations, leading her to be labeled a "bitch" or "tramp" by the men on the ranch. Steinbeck describes the harsh judgment and prejudice that Curley's wife faces, highlighting the social barriers that prevent her from pursuing her dreams. Furthermore, the lack of support and understanding from those around her further contributed to the failure of Curley's wife's dream. The men on the ranch dismiss her aspirations, seeing her only as a sexual object rather than a person with ambition. This rejection of her dreams reinforces the idea that society was unwilling to accept or support a woman who sought independence and success outside of the traditional roles she had been assigned. Topic Sentence: The oppressive environment of the ranch ultimately destroyed Curley's wife's dream. The ranch setting in Of Mice and Men has an oppressive and suffocating atmosphere, which further contributes to the destruction of Curley's wife's dream. The constant presence of men who see her as a sexual object creates a hostile environment for her. She is constantly reminded of her status as the only woman on the ranch, reinforcing her feelings of isolation and helplessness. Furthermore, the lack of companionship and emotional connection exacerbates Curley's wife's dissatisfaction with her life. He mentions to Lennie, “I never can, 1993.