'Of Mice and Men' Revision: Slim (student notes)

Slim

Slim is a unique character in Of Mice and Men.  He is the jerkline skinner on the ranch that George and Lennie go to, to find work.  Slim is also respectable, caring and a great leader.  He is not one sided, takes a realistic approach and is kind to anyone in a bad situation. 

Slim is introduced into the book by a description.  His description is much longer than anyone else’s in the novel, suggesting his importance.  Slim is a great leader but does not misuse his authority.  We are told he is ‘capable of driving ten, sixteen, even twenty mules with a single line to the leaders.’  This shows he has good skills and can do his job well.  Slim is described as ‘the prince of the ranch’ and this shows how he has authority. We are also told he ‘moved with a majesty only achieved by royalty and master craftsmen.’ 

Whatever Slim says is believed by everyone. In the book it says ‘his authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject, be it politics or love.’  This shows that Slim’s authority is very great. 

In the novel, Slim seems to be the only character without an American Dream.  This shows his realistic views of life and he accepts what he has, not wanting something which is impossible to achieve.

 Slim is hugely respected and has a certain sense of hierarchy. “…a quiet so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke.”  For a character like Curley, who is aggressive, to stop talking when Slim is talking is very significant.  It is unusual for a character like Curley to respect others as he has so much hatred for other people like Lennie.  On another occasion Carlson wants to shoot Candy’s dog and Candy disagrees.  Slim suggests to Candy that his dog should be put out of its misery so Candy takes into account what Slim suggests and agrees the dog should be shot. 

Slim is a caring character.  He knows that Lennie can be a bit odd at times but says ‘it ain’t your fault.’  This shows that Slim cares for people even if they are disliked by many other people.  We can see Slim’s caring nature at the end when George shoots Lennie because he comforts George and suggests that they go to get a drink once Lennie has been shot.  ‘Me an’ you’ll go in an’ get a drink.’  Slim seems to look on the brightside and does not dwell on Lennie’s death. 

Slim does not judge George and Lennie.  When he first sees them, he looks ‘kindly’.  This shows us that Slim is not a judgemental person, unlike Curley who very much dislikes George and Lennie.  Slim is the only person not to question why they are travelling together and simply mentions that not many men travel around together.  ‘Ain’t many guys travel around together.’