Transcript 11. Slim may be a minor character but he plays an

11. Slim may be a minor character but he plays an important role in
the novel. Write about:
● What kind of character he is
● What role he plays on the ranch and for other men
● What he represents in the novel
● How Steinbeck present him to the reader.
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introduction answer
refer to relevant characters
relevant quotations to support your ideas
personal interpretation
Introduction
Slim is a very respected character on the ranch. His opinion comes above all, and he is described as the ‘Prince of the
Ranch’. He is a very skilled in mule driving. He has an extremely good character, and a valued judgment.
"I can tell a mean guy from a mile off"
(page 28)
An example of his power, was when Candy was reluctant for Carlson to shoot his dog until Slim gave his opinion that
he should. He also suggested he take one of the newborn puppies from the dog on the ranch.
“The skinner had been studying the old dog with his calm eyes. “Yeah,” he said. “You can have a pup if you want to.”
He seemed to shake himself free for speech. “Carl’s right, Candy. That dog ain’t no good to himself. I wisht somebody’d
shoot me if I get old an’ a cripple.”
(page 51)
Relevant characters
Curley
George
Curley’s Wife
Carlson
Curley is presented as a mean spirited man with a small dog complex. His rivalry
with Slim is held throughout the book, and due to Slim’s superiority, the other
workers have a similar opinion of him.
What kind of character he is
He is presented as the ‘Prince’ of the ranch and holds a lot of authority over the other ranch workers. He appears as the
human embodiment of the American Dream, charismatic and skilled, which could explain the other workers’ respect
towards him.
He seems to be the opposite of Curley, the Boss’s son who, ironically, should be given more respect than the average
worker. His personality clashes with Curley’s often, causing dislike between the two. His popularity causes Curley to
become the bad guy of sorts, as him decision is law, and his choice to ostracise Curley.
“There was a gravity in his manner and a quiet so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke. His authority was so
great that his word was taken on any subject, be it politics or love.”
(page 37)
Candy looked a long time at Slim to try to find some reversal. And Slim gave him none.”
(page 54)
“Thinks Slim’s with his wife, don’t he” said George
“Looks like it” Whit said “‘Course Slim ain’t. Least I don’t think Slim is.”
(page 61)
They refuse to see Slim in the wrong when Curley is concerned, because of Slim’s ‘prince-like’ demeanor
What role he plays on the ranch and
for other men
He heavily influences the mens decisions, he gives them good advice, which they willingly take.
“The skinner had been studying the old dog with his calm eyes. “Yeah,” he said. “You can have a pup if you want to.”
He seemed to shake himself free for speech. “Carl’s right, Candy. That dog ain’t no good to himself. I wisht somebody’d
shoot me if I get old an’ a cripple.”
(page 51)
When Lennie crushes Curleys hand, Slim displays his authority by telling Curley the story to which he must stick by.
"I think you got your han' caught in a machine. If you don't tell nobody what happened, we ain't going to. But you jus' tell
an' try to get this guy canned and we'll tell ever'body, an' then will you get the laugh"
(p259-260)
(page 73)
In the story, George tells Slim about why he’s with Lennie which shows that Slim is a trustworthy man.
“Oh, I dunno. Hardly none of the guys ever travel together. I hardly never seen two guys travel together.”
(page 44-45)
Georges response implies that Slims calm nature encouraged him to talk about Lennie.
“He’s dumb as hell, but he ain’t crazy. An’ I ain’t so bright neither, or I wouldn’t be buckin’ barley for my fifty and found.
If I was bright, if I was even a little bit smart, I’d have my own little place, an’ I’d be bringin’ in my own crops, ‘stead of
doin’ all the work and not getting what comes up outa the ground.”
(page 44)
What he represents in the novel
Slim is shown as the human embodiment of the American Dream.
Because he’s described to be perfect, the men listen to his every word.
“There was a gravity in his manner and a quiet so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke.”
This could be because he’s seen to have never had an American Dream which is why he is content with his life.
He represents authority and is given a lot of respect as he always gets the final say.
How Steinbeck presents him to the
reader
“He held a crushed Stetson hat under his arm while he combed his long, black, damp hair straight back.”
“He moved with a majesty achieved only by royalty and master craftsmen. He was a jerkline skinner,”
“There was a gravity in his manner and a quiet so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke.”
Steinbeck introduces Slim as the ideal man, He is perfect and a ‘craftsmen’. His initial description almost comparable to
that of a saintly figure, with an angelic aura about him.