Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck - Essay Example

?Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck I. Introduction The novel written by John Steinbeck en d Of Mice and Men became a best-seller in its time due to the controversial nature of the discourse depicted by the characters and the plot of the story. Though the themes manifested in the novel are analogous to ordinary dreams and plans of simple folks, diverse events led to unexpectedly tragic results. As depicted by Curley’s wife, the treatment that she receives from men and was regarded as a possession of her husband, rather than an equal partner in life. Her actions and physical features and traits are antithesis for the low regard accorded her and seems to be purposely manifested to spite her husband for his utter disregard for her existence. Women searches for ways and means to be appreciated in response to obvious inequality to the relevant worth of existence. The current research aims to expound, through the novel as the backdrop, the apparent unequal role of women compared to men during the historical frame, particularly in the 1930s. II. Status of Women’s Roles in Society in the 1930s A. Brief description of women’s roles The discourse written by Moran clearly illustrated the roles of women in society during the 1930s. This time period was depicted as the Great Depression, where “worldwide economic collapse following the stock market crash in 1929, in which unemployment remained high for an extended period and many businesses failed” (Investor Words, par. 1). Therefore, despite the spur of enlightenment of women towards the promotion of equal rights through the passage of laws depicted in the 19th Amendment in 1920s, the economic slowdown and financial crisis delayed the persistent and determined focus to fight for equal rights. As Moran averred, “the 1930s brought apple-sellers to city street corners and breadlines to urban charity houses. In a depressed economy, unemployment figures escalated and federal forces concentrated on bringing Americans back to work. Or, more accurately, bringing American men back to work. For society viewed working women as un-American money grubbers, stealing jobs from men who needed them to support their families” (par. 3). B. Perceived Inequality of Women’s Rights Prior to efforts to fight for equal rights, women were rarely given the opportunities to be properly educated, to vote, to work or be employed, among others. The fact was validated in the article entitled How Does the Representation of Women Change Between 1930-1960 On the Covers of Vogue? The article revealed that “the 1930s were a less vibrant decade for women, seeing the depression, which meant that all women were encouraged to return to their homes whilst men returned to jobs that were becoming scarce. All their roles and responsibilities were taken away from them; the economy could not deal with the growing number of men returning to work. Any women who married therefore gave up her right to work. This meant women had to spend more time at home doing the domestic jobs that would normally be considered the women’s ‘job’” (How Does, par. 5). The setting was typically exemplified by Curley’s wife, who is left spending most of her time hanging around with the workers; rather than having something productive and rewarding done according to her skills and abilities. C. Effects of Inequality of Women The study conducted by Amartya Sen on the Many Faces of Gender Inequality has attested to the continued existence of inequality felt by women the world over. The author categorized inequalities in gender according to seven types, to wit: (1) mortality inequality (“high mortality rates of women and a consequent preponderance of men in the total population” (Sen, par. 3); (2) natality inequality (the preference accorded to male children over female); (3) basic facility inequality (opportunities for education, cultivation of one’s talents, and participation in social functions); (4) special opportunity inequality (pursuing higher education and delving into more professional training); (5) professional inequality (employment opportunities, including promotions and rewards); (6) ownership inequality (the access and ability to own properties); and (7) household inequalities (sharing of household chores) (Sen, pars.3 – 11). The effect of these unequal opportunities and treatment are seen in terms of mental dilemmas (depression, anxiety, marital problems); other emotional manifestations such as mood swings, low self-worth, low self-esteem and confidence; and are shown in physical evidences of violence and abuse. As the story of Of Mice and Men validates, the perceived inequality felt by Curley’s wife, led her to find ways to seek refuge and be appreciated by other people. In this regard, her lack of focus and vision to do something good for herself, with deemed insufficient support from her husband and from society, her untimely and unfortunate demise resulted from unequal treatment and accordance of women’s rights. II. Feminist Movements A. Programs and actions to increase equality of women to men The international organization, the United Nations, through its Millennium Project Task Force on Education and Gender Equality provided the impetus for a study written by Grown, Gupta and Kes aims, among others, to eliminate disparity in gender equality through the promotion of education, among others. Seven strategic priorities were outlined to address gender inequality, to wit: (1) to strengthen opportunities for education for girls beyond the post primary education level; (2) to ensure availment of health and reproductive rights; (3) to invest in appropriate infrastructure aiming to uplift women’s time burden; (4) to guarantee increased access to property and inheritance rights; (5) addressing employment inequalities through elimination of gaps in earnings, in occupational segregation and in overreliance to informal work; (6) to encourage more participation in local and national governments; and (7) to eliminate violence towards women (Grown, Gupta and Kes, 29). By encouraging support and participation in various governments and sectors in society, the problem of gender inequality is aimed to be ultimately addressed. B. Kinds of resistance met by women As revealed by Jackson, women resisted inequality through an inherent rebellion manifested through the following ways: “women sought education, they took jobs, they had fewer children, they joined voluntary associations, they entered the political party system, they joined unions, they demanded a greater voice in family decisions, and they divorced husbands to escape bad marriages” (175). In the case of Curley’s wife in the novel, the resistance was exemplified by exhibiting unconventional behavior to seek attention and response from other workers, other than her husband. In doing so, she felt emancipated and have made a personal revenge by spiting her husband and doing something that would tarnish the reputation and image of Curley. C. Effects of increased equal role of women to men With women assuming more roles in society due to increased equality to men, the effects are gained through more active participation in almost all endeavors where men usually dominate. With more women seeking higher achievement in their respective professions, lesser time is left to tend for the children and to address the needs of the family. Further, as averred by Jackson, “the same amount of affluence and improved availability of goods and services that reduced the amount of necessary domestic work for women meant that men could replace a wife’s domestic services through the marketplace. The liberalization of sexuality that accompanied the improvements in women’s status also made sex more easily available to men outside marriage” (236). In the novel, the most drastic effect of perceived drive to gain equality in treatment among women and men resulted in the death of Curley’s wife through irresponsible behavior. The story encourages the readers to evaluate the intended outcome for a move towards gaining equality, vis-a-vis retention of the more traditional role of women – that to remain beholden to their husbands and to assume the role primarily of tending the household, more than pursuing personal desires. III. Conclusion Women searches for ways and means to be appreciated in response to obvious inequality to the relevant worth of existence. The unfair and unequal treatment for women during the 1930s, the Great Depression, is an interesting topic given that the tragic outcome of the novel could be interpreted as a consequence of Curley’s wife needing to be acknowledged and respected as a productive member of society. Since she felt disregarded and neglected, she opted to find ways and means to solicit positive response from men through deliberately flirting with them, dressing provocatively, and seeking attention and acquaintances from men whose perceived status in society equal hers. As proffered in the essay, the role of women has evolved from merely accepting the traditional homemaker status to one seeking freedom and equality in terms of pursuing higher education, participating in government positions and in voting, seeking employment, and availing increased rights for health, compensation, decision to reproduce, and to eliminate violence. Although the effects in contemporary society have proven to be beneficial, the novel makes readers remunerate on the need to balance personal and professional roles with men, to attain a more productive and rewarding life, not only to women, but to men and children alike. Works Cited Grown, Caren, Gupta, Geeta Rao and Kes, Aslihan. Taking Action: Achieving Gender Equality and Empowering Women. 2005. Web. 25 April 2011. < http://www.unmillenniumproject.org/documents/Gender-complete.pdf Investor Words. Great Depression. 2011. Web. 24 April 2011. < http://www.investorwords.com/2232/Great_Depression.html> Jackson, Robert Max. Destined for Equality: The Inevitable Rise of Women’s Status. 1998. Web. 25 April 2011. Moran, Mickey. 1930s, America - Feminist Void? 1989. Web. 01 April 2011. < http://www.loyno.edu/~history/journal/1988-9/moran.htm> Sen, Amartya. :Many Faces of Gender Inequality.” India's National Magazine. Volume 18 – Issue 22, Oct. 27 - Nov. 09, 2001. Print. Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. Viking Penguin, Penguin Books, USA. 1937. Print. Read More