OMAM Blog #1 For the Week of 4/20/15

Prompts:

Describe the atmosphere of the ranch and bunkhouse. Be sure to include characteristics of different characters that were formally or informally introduced to us in this chapter. Support your choice with textual evidence and interpretation.

Why doesn't Curley's wife have a name?   What message, if anything, is John Steinbeck  trying to send by not giving her a first name?  Support your choice with textual evidence and interpretation.


     There is a really strong atmosphere in the ranch and bunkhouse. The bunkhouse is a rectangular shaped structure that is very long. There is many shelves filled with many things. I feel, personally, that the atmosphere is pressured. I noticed that the characters felt pressured throughout their time in the bunkhouse. Otherwise, it seemed kind of fun, for some of the characters. I also noticed that a lot of people are fighting a lot, which really affects the atmosphere.

     In Of Mice and Men, I noticed that Curly's Wife does not have a name, she is just referred to as "Curly's Wife" Everyone has a name, right? If Steinbeck did not give her a name, it is probably for some reason. I think that he did it because back then, women were less valued as men, and were somewhat known as a possession, so it makes sense to be called Curly's Wife. The question is though, is it fair? Not really, during that time women were still able to do some extraordinary things, but still faced discrimination. 

    By not giving Curly's Wife a name, he is trying to say this people at that time did not refer to girls by their real names. I also think that they did this, because it was custom, and they have always did it. It is very hard for some people to change their ways. The problem with changing it to a given name, is that in that time, it could offend people, and it probably would best to leave it out. If this book happened now, them i'm sure she would have a name.