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. 

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Answered by Perle B. English Literature tutor

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