I see the character Slim as a leader and that he should be admired as he is a highly skilled mule driver and the acknowledged “prince” of the ranch. From the beginning, Slim was very nice to George and Lennie. “His tone was friendly. It invited confidence without demanding it”. He always had a listening ear. Slim was kind to Lennie and knew why Lennie did some of the strange things he did. “‘ It ain’t your fault,’ he said. ‘This punk sure had it comin’ to him'”. When Lennie crushed Curley’s hand Slim willingly gave Curley a drink when he was hurt.
He held it to Curley’s lips” Slim was even nice towards his enemies. Slim was caring and understanding. Steinbeck gives slim the longest introduction and description this shows Steinbeck took a lot of time to create this great and powerful character that would be liked by the others. Slim is the only character who seems to be at peace with himself in comparison to Curly’s wife who comes across as unhappy. The other characters often look to Slim for advice. For instance, only after Slim agrees that Candy should put his decrepit dog out of its misery does the old man agree to let Carlson shoot it.
Slim alone understands the nature of the bond between George and Lennie, he asks no questions is seen as a person most of the ranch workers can confide to. Slim is involved with many scenarios of the novel such as the shooting of candy’s dog and the fight between Lennie and curly in both of these scenarios slim becomes the leader as in the shooting of candy’s dog his word becomes law, that the dog should be put out of its misery. He also takes charge in the fight to protect Lennie’s job and Curly’s dignity.
He was the only one other than George who understood Lennie’s odd ways. “‘Jesus,’ he said. ‘He’s jes’ like a kid'”. Slim knew Lennie was not just a big dumb guy. He was not oblivious to people’s feelings. “Slim said,’ Candy, you can have any one of them pups you want'”. When Candy had to put his dog down, Slim knew Candy was devastated. Slim was always aware of everyone’s feelings. “Slim came directly to George and sat down beside him, sat very close”. When George had to shoot Lennie, Slim understood how George felt.
These qualities also made Slim very respected. Slim was a respectable leader. When Slim was first introduced he was described as a leader. “When he had finished combing his hair he moved into the room, and he moved with a majesty only achieved by royalty and master craftsmen”. From the beginning he was portrayed as royal and noble. Carlson knew that Candy would listen to Slim. “‘ Why n’t you get Candy to shoot his old dog and give him one of the pups to raise up”‘” Everyone knew that Slim had power.
Even Curley followed Slim’s orders. “If you don’t tell nobody what happened, we ain’t going to'”. Slim also is the only ranch worker to show understanding to curly’s wife as he is not mean and doesn’t ignore her “hey good lookin” My conclusion of slim is that he is one of the most unique characters in Of Mice and Men. He gave the book the idea of a hero. Slim was caring, understanding, and a great leader. Slim’s best characteristic was how he always thought of others.
