How does Curley’s wife show her authority to the men in Chapter 4?

When Curley's wife doesn't like what she hears....... she threatens;

"She turned on him in scorn. "Listen, Nigger," she said. "You know what I can do to you if you open your trap?"

Crooks stared hopelessly at her, and then he sat down on his bunk

and drew into himself. She closed on him. "You know what I could do?"

Crooks seemed to grow smaller, and he pressed himself against the

wall. "Yes, ma'am."

"Well, you keep your place then, Nigger. I could get you strung up

on a tree so easy it ain't even funny."