Character Analysis Of Slim In John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice And Men'
Slim – Prince of the ranch essay
Steinbeck portrays Slim as the ‘prince of the ranch’ using description, his interactions with workers, especially George and what the other characters say about him and how they treat him. I think that Slim being portrayed as the ‘prince of the ranch’ is a very accurate and reasonable perception as Steinbeck builds his character to be respected and admired almost like royalty.
Slim, on his first appearance, is described as moving with a ‘majesty only achieved by royalty or master craftsmen’. With this descriptive phrase, Steinbeck immediately establishes Slim as someone who is confident in himself and is admired and respected by others. To move like majesty, it requires one to move with graceful fluency without …show more content…
"It ain't your fault," he said. "This punk sure had it comin' to him.’ This can be interpreted that perhaps Slim’s judgment is flawed as allowing Lennie to stay on the ranch ultimately leads to the death of Curley’s wife. However it could also be seen as a mature thing to do and also shows Slim as the one balancing out power and equality in a harsh world where status automatically gave you power. As for once people at the bottom of the hierarchy of power had more power and control over Curley who has a lot of power purely because he is the boss’s son. Therefore because Slim has the ability and respect to take such actions reinforces the fact that he was ‘prince of the ranch’, again giving the reader the impression of almost being …show more content…
An example of this is when it comes to the killing of Candy’s dog. Without the approval of Slim, Carlson would not be able to take Candy’s dog out and shoot it. This is clearly illustrated from when Slim says "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." Candy looked helplessly at him, for Slim's opinions were law.’ from this the reader can perceive that everyone obviously respected and valued Slim’s opinion, especially from the statement ‘slim’s opinions were law.’ and shows that Slim’s decision is much like a judge’s decision.
Furthermore Slim has such authority on the ranch that his word is golden. Steinbeck describes his manner as having “gravity” and “a quiet so profound that his word was taken on any subject.” Slim was not someone who had to raise his voice to be authoritative. His presence spoke for itself. Slim earns respect rather than forces it like Curley, who really should be the “prince of the ranch” as the boss’s son. This reinforces the fact that his opinions and views are appreciated and listened to and therefore he earns the title of ‘prince of the
Steinbeck portrays Slim as the ‘prince of the ranch’ using description, his interactions with workers, especially George and what the other characters say about him and how they treat him. I think that Slim being portrayed as the ‘prince of the ranch’ is a very accurate and reasonable perception as Steinbeck builds his character to be respected and admired almost like royalty.
Slim, on his first appearance, is described as moving with a ‘majesty only achieved by royalty or master craftsmen’. With this descriptive phrase, Steinbeck immediately establishes Slim as someone who is confident in himself and is admired and respected by others. To move like majesty, it requires one to move with graceful fluency without …show more content…
"It ain't your fault," he said. "This punk sure had it comin' to him.’ This can be interpreted that perhaps Slim’s judgment is flawed as allowing Lennie to stay on the ranch ultimately leads to the death of Curley’s wife. However it could also be seen as a mature thing to do and also shows Slim as the one balancing out power and equality in a harsh world where status automatically gave you power. As for once people at the bottom of the hierarchy of power had more power and control over Curley who has a lot of power purely because he is the boss’s son. Therefore because Slim has the ability and respect to take such actions reinforces the fact that he was ‘prince of the ranch’, again giving the reader the impression of almost being …show more content…
An example of this is when it comes to the killing of Candy’s dog. Without the approval of Slim, Carlson would not be able to take Candy’s dog out and shoot it. This is clearly illustrated from when Slim says "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." Candy looked helplessly at him, for Slim's opinions were law.’ from this the reader can perceive that everyone obviously respected and valued Slim’s opinion, especially from the statement ‘slim’s opinions were law.’ and shows that Slim’s decision is much like a judge’s decision.
Furthermore Slim has such authority on the ranch that his word is golden. Steinbeck describes his manner as having “gravity” and “a quiet so profound that his word was taken on any subject.” Slim was not someone who had to raise his voice to be authoritative. His presence spoke for itself. Slim earns respect rather than forces it like Curley, who really should be the “prince of the ranch” as the boss’s son. This reinforces the fact that his opinions and views are appreciated and listened to and therefore he earns the title of ‘prince of the