Of Mice and Men (Why Is Slim at the Top of the Hierarchy?) Essay Example

In the past, life was hard for a lot of people. People were having a hard time finding jobs to earn money. Lots of men that travel around to search for jobs, they end up friendless when they settle down. “Of Mice and Men” is a novel written by John Steinbeck. One of the characters in this novel is named Slim. Slim is an important person at the place where he works and he is a great leader to his fellow workers. He is the top of the hierarchy, because he is skilled at his job, he is respectful. Not only do those two skills earn him the top of the hierarchy, he is also kind to others, which is the most important point of why he is on the top. Firstly, Slim is surprisingly skillful at doing his job to complete tasks at the ranch. Everyone in life needs a good role model to show people what they should be doing to be successful in life. Slim is the one to find if people are in need of a good leader. The author described Slim as, “moved with a majesty only achieved by royalty and master craftsmen. He was a jerkline skinner, the prince of the ranch, capable of driving ten, sixteen, even twenty mules with a single line to the leaders. He was capable of killing a fly on the wheeler’s butt with a bull whip without touching the mule.” (33) Good role models should also be kind to others. Additionally, Slim respects other people, which give him the result of them respecting him. For example, “There was a gravity in his manner and a quiet so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke. His authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject, be it politics or love.” (33) A lot of people liked how Slim respected them, so, they felt like he should gain some respect back. Being respectful toward individuals can also lead to being kind to others. Finally, Slim is kind to others. Either outside of the ranch, or inside. For example, at nearly the start of the book. George and Lennie arrive at the ranch, and Slim welcomes them kindly. “You are the new