Defends weaker members of ranch
community e.g Lennie from Curley
Admired, is the leader of
the ranch community, the
"prince of the ranch"
"Slim's opinions were law." Considered
superior; men have more respect for him
than they do for the boss
Puts Curley in his place. The reader already feels Curley is the
bad guy so when Slim stands up to him he looks like the hero
Calm and reasonable, is only angry when Curley
falsely causes him of being with his wife
Takes on the role of ranch judge. When
Lennie crushes Curley's hand he takes
charge, recognising that Lennie is in the right
as he was antagonised. He takes authority,
speaking on behalf of the group. He tells
everyone what to do and lies for the good of
the group. He reasons with Curley, cleverly
pointing out that if Curley did say Lennie did
it, he would be shamed for losing in a fight.
Nota:
"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 everybody, and then will you get the laugh."
Recognises Lennie needs leniency when
deciding what to do about Curley's hand
Thoughtful/ respectful
Is seen as the "prince of the ranch" but doesn't act like
he is superior to the others, which gains him more
respect. He is shown as a prince but also as a normal
ranch hand, like Jesus or a holy figure: "God-like eyes"
Only he knows that George shot Lennie with
Carlson's gun, and understands it was out of love
Compliments Lennie's work so George
can feel relaxed around him and takes
on "the tone of confession" suggesting
Slim is like a priest who can be confided
in and can be trusted with secrets whilst
not judging the person confessing. He
seems to rid George of his guilt, also like
a priest or God-like figure.
Is sensitive to
Lennie's issues
He has a mystical, knowing quality, philosophical, which is a
rare quality especially in a desolate ranch with uneducated
workers. His all-knowing understanding means he is good at
reading character: "I can tell a mean guy a mile off."
Seems out of place in
the poor ranch, but
doesn't act superior, is
respectful of others and
not judgemental which is
hard as there are very
diverse people on the
ranch
Romantic/ friendly
Understands Lennie, friendly
towards him and George, and
listens to George's stories of
Lennie and Weed
Isn't prejudiced towards anyone
e.g. Lennie and George,
Curley's wife, Crooks (is one of
the few who aren't racist
towards him)
Jokingly flirty around Curley's wife, and
touches her gently when she is dead
suggesting he was friendly and had respect for
her and didn't judge her like the other men.
Nota:
"Then Slim went quietly over to her, and he let her wrist. One lean finger touched her cheek, and then his hand went under her slightly twisted neck and his fingers explored her neck. When he stood up the men crowded near and the spell was broken."
Trustworthy, George can relax
around him and confide in him
Has gained his leadership status
as the "prince of the ranch" from
respect and not force, like Curley
demands
Speaks on behalf of the group,
does what is best for them i.e
creating the lie about Curley's
hand so Lennie isn't fired.
Stands up for Lennie, recognises he
is vulnerable and can't think for
himself. Sees him as a mentally
disabled person in need of patience,
not threat, and as the hero, sticks up
for the weaker ones (Lennie, in this
case)
Artistic/ talented
Steinbeck gives him the
most positive
description out of all the
characters. He is the
master of his trade and
other characters speak
highly of him
Steinbeck concentrates on his physical features, suggesting he is
an important character and is to be recognised for his perfection