Slim in Of Mice and Men

John Steinbeck's masterpiece 'Of Mice and Men' portrays life and times during 'The Great Depression era in California, USA.

The story was first published in 1937 and primarily centered on a gripping tale of a couple of migrant workers, Lennie Small and George Milton. From the initial part of the novel, we learn George has a dream of purchasing his own farm and living in peace and relaxation with his intellectually disabled comrade Lennie. George even states that he wishes that life for both of them as it is unique and not many can accomplish it. He even picks out a chore for Lennie to perform at his farm- looking after the bunnies. 

The dominant themes of Friendship, Loyalty, Pursuit of The American Dream, and Tragedy, Befalling and Destroying That Vision, are aptly explored by Steinbeck throughout his masterpiece.

Besides the primary two characters, George and Lennie, many other characters play crucial roles during various phases of the novel. One such impressionable character that comes to mind is Slim – the mule runner (or jerk line skinner in Native American tone).

In our analysis, we explore Slim's character in detail. So, follow attentively.

SLIM – Character Sketch

As a mule runner, Slim appears to be a typical strong American stable guy. He embodies a person of natural authority, otherwise known as the 'prince of the range.' Of course, everyone also respects Slim for his impressive skills and strong persona. He is typically a quiet man, but when he speaks, others stop talking and listen attentively. 

Furthermore, Slim also commands grandeur and pride. Upon his first arrival at the bunkhouse, he is portrayed as an expert who can drive 10, 16, and 20 mules to their respective leaders, all in a single line. We also learn that Slim is ageless and often considered the voice of rationality. 

One case in point is when Carlson recommends shooting Candy's old mutt, upon which Candy appeals to Slim as the ultimate authority. Moreover, even Curley respects and listens to Slim. One such incident is when Lennie breaks all bones in Curley's hand. Slim intercedes and tells Curley he won't let George and Lennie get fired. Slim is also a man of impressive emotional quotient (EQ) and adept at reading the situation and characters' mindsets. He quickly grasps Curley's fear of mockery after being beaten by Lennie and breaking his hand. Slim takes advantage of Curley's fear and resultantly helps Lennie and George in that troublesome situation. 

Slim also stimulates confidence among other members in the barn as he doesn't like judging people. This character aspect is evident when Slim first meets with George and Lennie. George (a strong-willed character himself) considers Slim a rational being and explains to him Lennie's intellectual disability and his previous problems in the town of Weed. He believes Slim will empathize with Lennie and not be mean to his friend. 

Slim understands and even appreciates George's difficult position. He grasps the burden of George and his oversight in safeguarding Lennie and keeping him out of trouble. Even in the end, when George reluctantly kills his friend Lennie to save him from Curley's brutal punishment, Slim understands George's unfathomable pain. And being the man George believed, Slim walks up to George to tell him that he did the right thing, rather than the alternative of strapping and locking Lennie in a cage to rot. 

Through Slim's words and actions, we also learn he symbolizes sanity and moral authority throughout the novel. 

In fact, his wisdom and congenial nature are evident earlier in the novella. Slim is not cruel like Curley and rightfully sees Lennie as not mean or vindictive. We even learn that Slim is the only one among the men who doesn't give importance to the racial restrictions against visiting Crooke's room. He is one of the few who considers Crooke equal to everyone and sympathizes with him. View Examples

He even respects Curley's wife (which she desperately sought by others). Upon witnessing this, Curley loses his composure believing Slim is fraternizing with his wife. He searches for him to fight. However, later on, we learn that Slim remains calm about this and explains Curley the harsh truth that he is incapable of tending to his wife's needs. 

Steinbeck's portrayal of Slim's character is excellent. In the natural order (opposed to pursuits of economic power between Curley and his father), Slim's character stands apart. In all likelihood, she ought to be ranked the highest among all the men present at the farm. 

Interestingly, Steinbeck uses language to portray sovereignty through Slim due to his no-nonsense persona and prestige. Of course, Slim is never one to show his authority over others for the sake of it. Rather, Slim's conversational tone is cordial, and he knows how to respect and treat people morally. He even appreciates and acknowledges people's privacy and, through his behavior, wins the respect of others too. 

But Steinbeck reveals another side of Slim in the novella. Deep down, Slim can be ruthless too. We learn that he killed off 4 dogs and didn't hesitate to do it (although it was for a good cause).  Nevertheless, such a contrast reveals Slim as not only someone who is respectful and cordial but can also be brutal if the situation demands it. 

Finally, Steinbeck establishes Slim as the bastion of right or wrong. We learn that Slim is present at every crucial phase of the novella- from Candy's dog being killed, when Curley breaks his hand fighting Lennie, when Curley's wife is found dead, and when George kills his friend Lennie at the end. In all these instances, Slim finds himself in the middle, and every time, he assists in assessing what course of action is merciful and what isn't.

Slim's character is slowly introduced in the novel. However, many believe that was the whole point behind Steinbeck's intentions. He wanted to portray the other characters and their natures beforehand. And then, in contrast to the rest, he presents Slim- as a kind, inspiring, respectful, and intellectually sound individual. With so many sides to Slim's character, he is (definitely) one distinguishable character in the novella. And that's why we all appreciate his Steinbeck’s portrayal of him.