What is the significance of the colour 'red' in Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men'?

The colour red was used to symbolise Curley's wife. It is described that her nails, dress and other physical characteristics as being red. This portrays her character as perhaps being quite promiscuous and of a sexual nature. The colour red can be associated with lust and love and therefore, her character is seen as a confident woman with a desire for attention. We can also associate the colour red as a way to foreshadow her unfortunate death. Red can be associated with blood and thus, shows that eventually, her desire for attention gets her killed. 

PB
Answered by Perle B. English Literature tutor

40642 Views

See similar English Literature GCSE tutors

Related English Literature GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Comment on the use of metaphor in Simon Armitage’s poem ‘The Manhunt’ and the effect it has upon the reader.


What can I do to understand Shakespearean language.


I'm find the text really difficult to understand, how can I make it easier?


How would I approach the question: 'Othello's foolishness rather than Iago's cleverness leads to the tragedy of Shakespeare's 'Othello''


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning