Introduction:
Slim is a
significant character in the novella because he is known as the “prince of the
ranch,” and is very influential and authoritative over people’s thoughts and
actions.
·
Key Features: Slim is the unofficial leader of the ranch,
and therefore is well respected as people often turn to him in times of need.
o Unofficial
leader
§ “prince of
the ranch”
o Respected
§ “all talk
stopped when he spoke,”
o ‘mystical
qualities’ – mysterious, we know little about his past,
§ “his face
was ageless,”
o Understanding
§ “invited
confidence without demanding it,” - Especially to George when Lennie dies
o Represents
sympathetic influence in otherwise hostile nature of everyday life on the ranch
o Lacks dream
o Protective
– stands up for George and Lennie numerous times, e.g. in the Curley and Lennie
fight
§ “Slim
jumped up. “The dirty little rat,” he cried. “I’ll get ‘um myself,”
·
Key Events:
Slim is often present at key events
as he is a useful guide in many difficult situations in the novella
o Shooting of
the dog: didn’t stand up for Candy
§ “Candy
looked helplessly at him,”
o Curley and
Lennie fight: stood up for Lennie and George
§ “If you
don’t tell nobody what happened, we ain’t going to,”
·
Interactions:
Many of the workers respect and
look up to Slim, therefore people often come to him with problems and friendly
conversations
o Opinion
wanted
§ “Slim’s
opinions were law,”
o People want
to open up to him i.e. George
§ “You
wouldn’t tell nobody?”
·
Themes: Slim is a well-rounded man and therefore is not secluded to one theme.
o No dream,
no shattered memories
o Friendship
– friendly with everyone, but no BFF, empathy to others
o Not lonely
o Not
violent, but caught up in violent scenes
o Sexism –
flirts with CW
§ “Hi
Good-Lookin’”
Conclusion:
Overall Slim is shown to really be
the “prince of the ranch,” and often changes outcomes of events with his
presence. He is very influential with his authoritative comments; therefore he
can change other character’s perspectives and thoughts on certain situations. Since
Slim has no dream in this story, he does not have one focus in life, as well as
having no broken dreams, meaning he is content with his life as he is not
obsessed with an unrealistic goal. However, it would be interesting to know how
long he would be content with a life that has no purpose.
No comments:
Post a Comment