Earlier in the novel, emotionally neglected by Curley, she attempts to alienate her loneliness by visiting the men in Crooks room. When Crooks demands that Curley's wife leave, she snaps, "Listen, n*****. You know what I can do to you if you open your trap?" (80) Because of her position as the boss’s daughter-in-law, one word from Curley’s wife could put anyone, especially Crooks due to his racial status, on bad terms with the boss. This status gives her power over the workers at the ranch, allowing her to, in some degree, influence their actions toward her desires. Even in the silence of death, Curley’s wife destroys the hopes of George and Candy. After the murder of Curley’s wife, Candy realizes that their dream has disappeared: “ ‘You an’ me can still get that little place can’t we, George? Can’t we?’ Candy dropped his head and looked down at the hay.
Earlier in the novel, emotionally neglected by Curley, she attempts to alienate her loneliness by visiting the men in Crooks room. When Crooks demands that Curley's wife leave, she snaps, "Listen, n*****. You know what I can do to you if you open your trap?" (80) Because of her position as the boss’s daughter-in-law, one word from Curley’s wife could put anyone, especially Crooks due to his racial status, on bad terms with the boss. This status gives her power over the workers at the ranch, allowing her to, in some degree, influence their actions toward her desires. Even in the silence of death, Curley’s wife destroys the hopes of George and Candy. After the murder of Curley’s wife, Candy realizes that their dream has disappeared: “ ‘You an’ me can still get that little place can’t we, George? Can’t we?’ Candy dropped his head and looked down at the hay.