I believe it's easier to break this down into two parts:
how does Lenny add to George's regression, and the same for Curley's wife. I say "add"
to his regression, because it isn't certain whether or not Lenny or Curley's wife
absolutely causes George's regression, rather, would George have spiraled down into some
other disastrous end. Keeping this in mind...
Lenny
certainly hinders George's progress in life first and foremost because of his
social/mental disorder. Lenny's inability to take responsibility for his own actions,
let alone even survive on his own, forces George to assume responsibility for them
both. However, it isn't simply because George feels obligated through some higher order
thinking or moralistic vew, rather because his own prior actions (pushing Lenny into the
river) prompted a sympathetic, perhaps paternal/fraternal response. This, coupled with
Lenny's Aunt's request, provide most of George's motivation for keeping Lenny around.
As such, George must consistently monitor Lenny's actions, inhibiting his ability to
move freely and seek more permanent employment, as far as the Depression would allow
him.
As an aside, though, while Lenny hinders
George's progress, their relationship, and socioeconomic status, are rooted in Lenny's
ability to haul bails of hay. Without Lenny, George may not even have received work
during the Depression.
Yet, the question about Lenny's
hindrance remains. Similar to Lenny's inability to assume responsibility for himself is
his inability to discern personal boundaries. His interactions with Curley's wife, the
"girl up in Weed," and even George's anger illustrate how poorly Lenny can function in
society.
Similarly, Curley's wife's attributes present
fitting variables for Lenny's social faults: soft hair, beauty, coquettish personality.
Because Lenny is unable to resist these qualities, and because Curley's wife moves about
the grounds freely, George is again consistently tasked with watching out for
Lenny.
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