Slim In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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1. We discover many qualities about Slim in Chapter Three. Firstly, Steinbeck suggests to the reader that Slim is an investigator, interrogating George and making him divulge to Slim about what happened in Weed, whilst also showing his ability to bring out secrets in an almost confession-like manner, “Slim sat down on a box and George took his place opposite.” While this is meant to be a friendly conversation, the reader gets the feel that Slim is also displaying his authority. Interestingly, Slim here is also shown as a little bit ruthless when he is talking about drowning the puppies, but as Slim is the idealistic figure, this is acceptable. Also, Slim moving back from the light has connotations that he is more of an observer than a participant, “Slim moved back slightly so the light was not…show more content…
You know how the hands are, never seen two guys travel together.” As Slim is ‘all-knowing’, this shows the reader that it is highly unusual on a ranch for this to happen. Slim is once again featured as being attentive and a good listener. This is further highlighted through the use of the words ‘godlike’ and the repetition of the word ‘calmly. George confides in Slim because he is very intelligent and empathetic and he would not be mean to Lennie, make fun of him, or take advantage of him. Slim is the only one on the ranch who appreciates the difficulty of George's position. He understands the constant supervision that George must use in watching Lennie and keeping him out of trouble. This becomes useful in the scene with Candy’s dog and how Slim is key to the decision in the end, as his voice is the voice of rationalism, “The skinner had been studying the old dog with his calm eyes.” Slim is the most rational because he is the most objective and unbiased person on the ranch. He can detach himself to make fair decisions, unlike anyone else. When Carlson suggests killing Candy's dog, Candy appeals to Slim as the final
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