Of mice and men - Slim

Who is slim?

-Skilled jerkline skinner (highest-paid, most respected job on the ranch)
-Natural leader, respected, not feared
-Acts as a moral compass in the novel
-Represents ideal masculinity: calm, fair, compassionate

What does Slim do in the novel?

• Meets George and Lennie in the bunk house

• Gives a puppy to lennie

• Agrees that Candy's dog must be killed

• Slim makes Curley promise not to blame Lennie for hurting his hand

• Slim is the one who checks Curley's wife to confirm she is dead

• Slim comfort George for having killed Lennie

How is Slim presented?

• Slim is a Natural Leader

• Slim is Fair and Compassionate

• Slim is George's Confidant

How does Steinbeck present Slim's authority?

"His word was taken on any subject"
Everyone listens to Slim
Shows natural authority
Respected, not feared

How does Steinbeck present Slim's personality?

"Gravity in his manner"
Calm and serious
Confident, not aggressive
Contrast with Curley

How does Steinbeck present Slim's treatment of Lennie?

Speaks "softly"
Kind and patient
Understands Lennie
Protects the weak

How does Steinbeck present Slim as fair?

Lets Lennie keep puppy
Judges kindly
Understanding, not cruel
Shows fairness

How does Steinbeck present Slim at the end?

"You hadda, George"
Knows George had no choice
Removes guilt
Moral judgement

Sum up Slim in one sentence.

Steinbeck presents Slim as calm, kind and fair, which makes him a moral authority on the ranch.

Key words for Slim

Natural leader - leads without force
Wise - understands right and wrong
Understanding - sees George's situation
Patient - especially with Lennie
Trustworthy - George confides in him
Moral compass - shows what is right
Voice of reason - calm in tense moments
Idealised - almost too good compared to others

"He was godlike and moved with majesty"

Compared to a god
Natural authority
Admired by others
Calm, dignified presence

How does Slim link to context in Of Mice and Men?

• Set during the Great Depression (1930s America)

• Ranch workers were itinerant, isolated, and often mistrustful

• Disabled people (like Lennie) were often judged and excluded

• Racism was common (e.g. Crooks’ segregation)

• Slim challenges these attitudes:

  • Treats Lennie with patience and respect

  • Shows fairness rather than prejudice

  • Gains authority through skill and character, not violence

• Steinbeck uses Slim to show that kindness and exploitation are choices, not inevitable