Character Analysis Of Slim In John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice And Men'

Slim – Prince of the ranch essay
Steinbeck portrays Slim as the ‘prince of the ranch’ using description, his interactions with workers, especially George and what the other characters say about him and how they treat him. I think that Slim being portrayed as the ‘prince of the ranch’ is a very accurate and reasonable perception as Steinbeck builds his character to be respected and admired almost like royalty.
Slim, on his first appearance, is described as moving with a ‘majesty only achieved by royalty or master craftsmen’. With this descriptive phrase, Steinbeck immediately establishes Slim as someone who is confident in himself and is admired and respected by others. To move like majesty, it requires one to move with graceful fluency without
any effort.
From Steinbeck’s description we can tell he is exceptionally skillful. This can be seen when Steinbeck says ‘he was capable of killing a fly on the wheelers butt without touching the mule.’ This shows he was an experienced and competent worker and therefore he was valued giving him more respect from ranch workers and the boss to an extent.
Steinbeck artfully portrays that Slim is able to read into people and what they say. This is seen when Steinbeck describes Slim as “his ear heard more than what was said to him”. This illustrates he is not someone who takes things people say at face value. He also understands that there is often more to the story. This also is what leads to Slim’s word being final word on the ranch. Everyone knows that he gives everything a fair hearing.
Moreover Steinbeck further reinforces Slim’s image as prince of the ranch by his interactions with other workers especially with George, an example of this is when Slim began to talk to George about working on the ranch, he used a tone which was friendly, encouraged confidence without demanding. This can be seen when George says ‘We kinda look after each other." He indicated Lennie with his thumb. "He ain't bright. Hell of a good worker, though.’ As much as Slim is described as someone who is able to read deeper than just the surface, he does not do so with Lennie. He generously allows Lennie to stay, knowing his past and accepting George’s view that Lennie is no threat. Slim sees him mainly as a good worker, but he also defines Lennie as a nice ‘fella’.
Lastly when Curley attacks Lennie, which leads to the crushing of Lennie’s hand, it is Slim who calms down and sorts everything out, this is another major interaction between Slim and the rest of the ranch workers, this can be seen when Slim calms Lennie down ‘Slim turned to the whimpering Lennie.
"It ain't your fault," he said. "This punk sure had it comin' to him.’ This can be interpreted that perhaps Slim’s judgment is flawed as allowing Lennie to stay on the ranch ultimately leads to the death of Curley’s wife. However it could also be seen as a mature thing to do and also shows Slim as the one balancing out power and equality in a harsh world where status automatically gave you power. As for once people at the bottom of the hierarchy of power had more power and control over Curley who has a lot of power purely because he is the boss’s son. Therefore because Slim has the ability and respect to take such actions reinforces the fact that he was ‘prince of the ranch’, again giving the reader the impression of almost being
royalty.
Finally the last way in which Steinbeck portrays Slim as ‘prince of the ranch’ is by what the other characters say about him and how they treat him.
An example of this is when it comes to the killing of Candy’s dog. Without the approval of Slim, Carlson would not be able to take Candy’s dog out and shoot it. This is clearly illustrated from when Slim says "Carl's right, Candy. That dog ain't no good to himself. I wisht somebody'd shoot me if I get old an' a cripple." Candy looked helplessly at him, for Slim's opinions were law.’ from this the reader can perceive that everyone obviously respected and valued Slim’s opinion, especially from the statement ‘slim’s opinions were law.’ and shows that Slim’s decision is much like a judge’s decision.
Furthermore Slim has such authority on the ranch that his word is golden. Steinbeck describes his manner as having “gravity” and “a quiet so profound that his word was taken on any subject.” Slim was not someone who had to raise his voice to be authoritative. His presence spoke for itself. Slim earns respect rather than forces it like Curley, who really should be the “prince of the ranch” as the boss’s son. This reinforces the fact that his opinions and views are appreciated and listened to and therefore he earns the title of ‘prince of the
ranch’.
Overall, the character of Slim is the "prince of the ranch." He's the complete Western man: masterful, strong, fair-minded, practical, and exceptionally good at what he does. He is obviously valued by the boss and his coworkers and often seen as the judge and wise figure and his word on any subject is law. I think that Slim being portrayed as the ‘prince of the ranch’ is the perfect description of Slim and is flawlessly built up by Steinbeck using description, his interaction with ranch workers and especially George and what the other characters say about him and how they treat him.