How Does Slim Symbolize The Power In Of Mice And Men

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The Great Depression was a time of great sorrow and struggle. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is a story about two men who go from town to town, looking for work during the Great Depression. The two men: a thin “ sharp featured” man, George, and a large “shapeless” man with a mental disability, Lennie, find work at a ranch. This ranch is where most of the story takes place, where we are introduced to many characters including Slim, the jerkline skinner with lots of power on the ranch. Slim symbolises the goodness of man throughout Of Mice and Men because he is easy to open up to, a good person and compassionate. Many people open up to slim easily. After meeting Slim and after dinner, George and Slim start talking about how George travels …show more content…

"You can have a pup if you want to." He seemed to shake himself free for speech. "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. "Maybe it'd hurt him," he suggested. "I don't mind takin' care of him." Carlson said, "The way I'd shoot him, he wouldn't feel nothing. I'd put the gun right there." He pointed with his toe. "Right back of the head. He wouldn't even quiver.’" Slim is the deciding factor for Candy’s dog to be put down, even then Slim wants to make sure that it is done humanely, and Slim is willing to give one of his pups to Candy to help cope and to create a new bond with. This humanity and understanding shows that slim is a good person and wants the best decision to be made, to make people happier out of the goodness that is within man. In order to be better to Candy also requests something of Carlson to limit Candy’s greif. Slim said: …show more content…

For example when Slim is visited by the stable buck, Slim defends Lennie: “‘Well, he ain't doin' no harm. I give him one of them pups.’ ‘Just thought I'd tell ya,’ said Crooks. ‘He's takin' 'em outa the nest and handlin' them. That won't do them no good.’ ‘He won't hurt 'em,’ said Slim. ‘I'll come along with you now.’” Because of this defense, Slim has understanding for George and how he deals with lennie. This is why at the end, after George has killed Lennie, he says: “‘You hadda, George. I swear you hadda. Come on with me.’ He led George into the entrance of the trail and up toward the highway.“ The sympathy shown with the small amount of text reveals that Slim does care about people under his domain. George is going to be carrying the guilt of killing Lennie for the rest of his life, Slim gives George comfort i having someone to confide in. This compassion shows that there is reason throughout the

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