Evidence that Slim deserves to be admired
You could include some of the following points in your essay:
- He possesses a natural authority over the other ranch workers, “Slim’s opinions were law”.
- He is respected and looked up to by the other workers, “his word was taken on any subject”.
- He is described as possessing dignity and “a majesty only achieved by royalty and master craftsmen”.
- He is described in glowing terms, “majesty”, “understanding beyond thought” and with the simileA comparison using 'like' or 'as' to create a vivid image. For example, as big as a whale, float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.“god-like”.
- He is the lead mule-team driver - “the jerkline skinner”. This position makes him - as described using a metaphorAn imaginative way of describing something by associating it with something else. A metaphor differs from a ‘simile’ as it is not a straight comparison (with the use of the words ‘like’ or ‘as’). A good metaphor creates a vivid picture – for example, ‘my life is a roller coaster’. - “the prince of the ranch”.
- Candy looks to him to save his dog, “Candy looked a long time at Slim to try to find some reversal”, while Carlson asks his opinion and obeys him without question, "You know what to do."
- He approves of George and Lennie’s friendship, he doesn’t judge unlike the Boss or Curley, “Ain’t many guys travel round together … I don’t know why”.
- He shows a readiness to praise Lennie, “I never seen such a strong guy”.
- He understands why George has to kill Lennie and understands how difficult it was, offering his support, “You hadda, George. I swear you hadda.”.
- He is trustworthy, “invited confidence without demanding it”.
- He is not intimidated by Curley, “You lay offa me.”.
- Other characters look to him for advice or guidance.
- Unlike Curley, Slim stays calm and is never seen to lose his temper.
- He is contrasted with the Boss and Curley when Candy points out Slim’s height advantage, “Slim don’t need to wear no high-heeled boots”.
