Slim is
the jerkline skinner, or the head mule driver, on the ranch
. He is a static character throughout the novel, not changing over the course of the events, and is always quiet, strong, and kind, offering helpful advice and mediation.
Why is slim important on the ranch?
Slim plays two important roles in Steinbeck’s novella. First, he acts as a sounding board for George as he describes his life with Lennie in chapter three. Second, he is
the arbiter of the important decisions on the ranch
, and two in particular which have an effect on the plot of the novella.
What was Slims role in the death of Lennie?
It is a terrible thing for George to have to kill Lennie, as Lennie was his best friend and long-time companion, but Slim is the only one who understands. Slim knows that George kills Lennie as
an act of mercy
, to prevent him from a worse death at the hands of the other men or from incarceration.
Why is slim so important?
Slim is so respected and
admired on the ranch that even Curley listens to him
. When Lennie smashes Curley’s hand, Slim is the one who intercedes and tells Curley he will not have George and Lennie fired. Slim understands Curley’s fear of ridicule, and he uses that fear to help George and Lennie.
What does slim symbolize in mice of men?
Slim is the “prince of the ranch.” He’s the consummate Western man: masterful, strong, fair-minded, practical, non-talkative, and exceptionally good at what he does. He is
a god among men
, and his word on any subject is law.
What did Slim do to four of his pups?
Slim reports that he drowned four of the puppies immediately because their mother would have been unable to feed them. Carlson suggests that they convince Candy to shoot his old,
worthless mutt and raise one of the pups instead
.
Why does George lie about the gun?
George has lied about the Luger
because he has taken it
; he does not want to admit this act as the men will believe he is involved in Curley’s wife’s death and hurt him, too, and he will not be able to accompany the men and intercede for Lennie when they find him, or to take action on his own.
Why does everybody respect slim?
So Slim is respected
because of his skill
but also because of his air of majesty which comes from being skilled and indispensable to the employer. He lives in the bunkhouse with the other men and uses the same kind of poor grammar, but he is undoubtedly the authority figure, both out in the fields and in the bunkhouse.
How is slim powerful?
Analysis. Again, Slim’s
power is universal with the men because of their natural respect for him
. Steinbeck presents Slim as being the calm holder of this innate authority, not demanding it or treating others badly to get it, which is why it is so strong.
Who is the most respected person on the ranch?
Slim
is the most respected character on the ranch, despite not actually being in charge (although he is in charge of one of the grain teams). He is calm and thoughtful; all of the other men look up to him and value his opinions.
What kind of person is slim?
Throughout Of Mice and Men, Slim is a static character, meaning that he does not change over the course of the novel. He is
a likable, wise, and strong person
. He is the jerkline skinner, or head mule driver, on the ranch.
How is slim lonely?
Slim is lonely in the sense that
he is completely different from those around him
. He is the voice of reason and restraint amid all the turmoil and conflict on the ranch. People automatically look up to him in a way they simply don’t do with anyone else.
How do others see slim?
Clearly,
the men perceive Slim as their boss more than they
do Curley or his father. For, it is with great respect that the ranch hands speak and react to him. In the conclusion of the novella, no one says a word when Slim tells George, “You hadda.” This is the final say on George’s shooting of Lennie.
Why is slim a hero?
Truly, Slim is an admirable character.
He is really more in charge than Curley
, the boss’s son. Slim is so respected until even Curley listens to him. Steinbeck describes Slim as one who excels in character.
What is Slim’s dream?
Unlock
Unlike the other men, Slim is not drawn in by the dream of
owning a farm and living off the fat of the land
. He is a wise man with “godlike eyes” who has accepted his environment. Slim is skilled skinner, a man who drives a mule team. Slim is highly respected by the other ranch hands, who defer to his judgment.
What does George symbolize?
Some critics believe George represents that
doomed man who longs to return to Eden
. His one chance to avoid that fate is his relationship with Lennie, which makes them different from the other lonely men. … George, unlike other men, has a companion and friend in Lennie. Because of this, Lennie makes George feel special.
