Final answer:
The behaviors of Curley's wife and Lizabeth are influenced by the Great Depression, a time of economic hardship and social upheaval that shaped their desires for belonging and led to contradictory actions.
Step-by-step explanation:
There is indeed a connection between the historical setting of the Great Depression and the behavior of Curley's wife in Of Mice and Men and Lizabeth in 'Marigolds'. Both characters are shaped by the intense socioeconomic pressures of their time, which influences their desperate need for belonging and their contradictory actions. During the Great Depression, poverty and instability were rampant, and individuals often had to behave in ways that might seem conflicting to outsiders simply to survive or find their identity.
The Great Depression significantly impacted people's lives, leading to feelings of destitution and a fear of falling into poverty, as seen in the provided reference texts. Characters from this era, including Curley's wife and Lizabeth, exhibit behavior that reflects the desperation and rapid social changes of the time. These women's actions can be seen as attempts to navigate the challenging societal norms and economic conditions that they are forced to live with.
Curley's wife acts out as she grapples with loneliness and her unfulfilled dreams, while Lizabeth unleashes her frustrations and yearnings for escape through the destruction of the marigolds. The Great Depression thus serves as a backdrop for their struggles, influencing their actions and the paths they take. Both characters crave a sense of belonging and identity in a world where they feel marginalized and powerless, where the economic conditions have stripped them of stability and security.
In examining both characters, it is clear that their behaviors were greatly influenced by the historical context of the Great Depression, the insecurity it bred, and the resultant societal pressures, all of which serve as critical elements in understanding their complex characters and actions.