The significance of Slim in 'Of Mice and Men

Authors Avatar

Year 11 Coursework- 

The significance of Slim in ‘Of Mice and Men

In the novel ‘Of Mice And Men’ written by John Steinbeck, we are first introduced to Slim, when George and Lennie arrive at the ranch; he is first mentioned when they are both told to  

Go out with Slim’s team”, which suggests that he is most probably the leader of a team, which means that he is a good worker. Slim in the novel, Of Mice And Men, is a character which most men respect. The boss describes Slim as being  “A big tall skinner”. He seems to be his own boss, and no one can tell him otherwise.

 Further on in the novel we are introduced to Slim when, Lennie and George are playing cards, they are discussing how they don’t like the ranch and want to leave. When Slim walks in he is treated as though he is someone with importance, almost as much importance as the actual boss. He is described as being “ a Jerkline skinner” and “moved with majesty”. Everyone seemed to treat him like a leader, although he was treaded with such respect he was not as callous as the actual boss, or like Curley, with his antagonistic attitude to life. Slim was a kind natured kind of person, who doesn’t seem to be frightened or anxious when Curley’s wife comes in looking for Curley, Slim just says “Hi good lookin’”, where as most people would feel tense, because they would be afraid to say anything because they were so frightened of Curley. This suggests to the readers that Slim is relaxed, not afraid and in a way rather complementary.

He is just like the other ranch workers in a way, by the way that John Steinbeck describes him as wearing; “Blue Jeans and a short denim Jacket, like others”, which tells us that even though he had a sense of majesty about him, he was still included as one of the guys that worked in the ranch. Everyone in the ranch seems to have so much respect for Slim, I know this by the way Steinbeck describes how “Carlson stepped back to let Slim precede him”, which implies the fact that Carlson showed respect for him by letting him go in front of him.  The Swamper even described Slim as “A hell of a nice fella. Slim don’t need to wear no high heeled boots”, which tells us that he is naturally a born leader and doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone. The way that we know that he also had a sense of heir about him, was suggested by this line, he was described as being the

Join now!

“Prince of the ranch, capable of driving ten, sixteen, even twenty mules”.

Which not only tells us how confident he is but also how very sleek he is. Slim is not only a hard worker, but very popular at the same time, he seems to have a way with people, he is the kind of person that seems to draw confidence out of people, by the way that it suggests;

“There was a gravity in his manner and a quiet, so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke”.

 Throughout the novel Steinbeck repeats these words “Jerkline Skinner”, many times ...

This is a preview of the whole essay