slim

• Slim is a ‘jerkline skinner’ which means he controls a team of mules - this is a very skilful job, showing his role in the ranch as a leader who has respect from the other ranch workers.
• Slim is easy going and is sometimes described as the ‘prince of the ranch’ he is shown to have authority, the workers listen to what he says.
• Slim is the first character to call Crooks by name instead of “n-word” or “stable buck”. He treats him with more respect than the other characters do
• Slim seems to be the conscience of the novella. He has a strong sense of right and wrong and the men follow his judgement.
• Slim supports Carlson at the crucial moment before Candy’s dog is killed. his isn’t a cruelty, it shows how Slim values practicality. The dog was old and suffering.
• when Slim drowns four of his own dog’s puppies he simply states “She couldn’t feed that many”. He had killed a minority to let the majority survive.
• Slim is described as fit and healthy and because of this he attracts the attention of Curley’s wife.
• Throughout the book she is the only one who addresses Slim by name, and he in turn calls her “good-lookin’” - Slim isn’t intimidated by Curley’s Wife nor is he intimidated by Curley himself.
• Slim gives her the attention she so desperately wants by commenting on her appearance while also showing he is not afraid of Curley.
• Slim is practical and wise, but he’s also got a sympathetic side - he understand why George is so upset after killing Lennie.
• it is Slim who comforts George after he has shot Lennie - he sits next to him, then takes him off for a drink.
• - Slim twice says Lennie has to be killed at the end - “I guess we gotta get ‘im” - Highlighting the societal views and although Slim does have his own views, he is normally in line with society at the time.