Slim In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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Slim is described always in terms of dignity and majesty. When Slim first comes into the bunkhouse he is described in such a way that makes him seem almost god-like, “His ear heard more than was said to him, and his slow speech had overtones not of thought, but of understanding beyond thought” (Steinbeck 34). Slim’s insight had almost infinite wisdom. The rest of the men would stop to hear him speak his guidance or opinion on any matter at hand. Slim is so well respected that even Curley, the Boss’s son, listens as well. His voice was practically the law of the land and the voice of reason. When Lennie gets in the fight with Curley, it is Slim that intervenes and prevents George and Lennie from being fired, “I think you got your han’ caught in a machine. …show more content…
But you jus’ tell an’ try to get this guy canned and we’ll tell ever ‘body, an’ then will you get the laugh” (Steinbeck 64). Slim does this because he understands George’s tough position, and the constant oversight George must have while keeping Lennie out of trouble. Slim is present in every crucial juncture in the story: The death of Candy’s dog, finding the dead body of Curley’s wife, or at the bank of the river after Lennie was shot. In each case, there is violence or the threat of it. Slim helps make the assessment to do what is merciful or what is right. Without slim, chaos and order would be abandoned as the men would constantly argue and fight over power, decisions, and other matters. Slim also shows empathy and mercy, a trait the other men haven’t acquired, or haven’t bothered to acquire due to the tough circumstances around them. Crooks, the only black man, holds the occupation of stable hand at the ranch. Crooks’ name comes from his accident when a horse kicked him in the back. Being the only black man, he is portrayed specifically by Steinbeck to show an effect of discrimination during that time period. This discrimination is in regards to race, and he isn’t allowed in the bunkhouse with the
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