Motif

One motif you might consider is the perceived danger that women pose to the ranchmen. Steinbeck's portrayal of women is unflattering at best. George and Lennie run from a woman from a previous ranch. This same motif is used when Curley's wife shows up at the ranch. There is always tension around lonely women at a ranch full of men. Unfortunately George does not have the mental faculties to understand the danger.