Portrayal of Curley and Slim in Of Mice and Men

In the novella, ‘Of Mice and Men’, the characters of Slim and Curley are created to have a strong influence on the other workers’ lives. While both the characters make an impact with the way they are presented, Steinbeck portrays them both very differently. He does this by giving the reader different impressions when each of the characters are introduced, the idiosyncrasies the author has given them, the way they treat others, how the rest of the characters react to the characteristics of Curley and Slim and why they influence particular characters. Curley is introduced as a very angry character; he ‘glanced coldly at George and then at Lennie’. He then tenses up and Steinbeck describes him in a fighter’s stance, Steinbeck foreshadows the events to come, by showing us Curley’s hatred for George and particularly Lennie. The reader does not take a liking towards Curley because of his negative attitude. Whereas Slim is introduced as ‘the prince of the ranch’, his actions are defined as elegant. Steinbeck uses descriptive language to show Slim’s supreme authority. This positive feeling created when Slim is introduced makes the reader take a delight to his character. Slim is much more serene and tranquil while Curley seems to be frustrated and bothered by the arrival of George and Lennie. Steinbeck also gives Slim a likable personality by giving him respectable idiosyncrasies. Slim walks slowly as if with grace, Steinbeck portrays him with dignity, he listens to the other characters including George’s explanation of what happened in Weed, he seems to understand Lennie’s actions and sympathises with Lennie’s character by the end of the novella, ‘his tone was friendly. It invited confidence without demanding it’. All these qualities Steinbeck has given him show the reader he is an understanding character and his opinion and decisions are rational. This influences other characters to listen to him and ask for advice if or when they are going through any problems. It