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B. How does Steinbeck use the character of Slim in the novel as a whole to convey ideas about working life on ranches in 1930s America?
John Steinbeck introduces Slim for the first time in this passage and we are shown what he looks like and how he behaves. It says that he was a 'tall man' and 'like the others, he wore blue jeans and a short denim jacket.' This means that he isn't trying to show off but is like the other men who work on the ranch. It also says that he has 'majesty'. This suggests that he is like the king of the ranch who everybody obeys or looks up to. Later when he sees George and Lennie, it says that he spoke 'kindly' and that his voice was 'gentle'.
In the novel as a whole Slim is important because he comes across as a kinder character who understands George and Lennie and sees that Lennie is a nice person really. But it shows also that working on a ranch is a hard life. Slim may be nice but he drowns the puppies when he has to. 'I drowned four of 'em right off. She couldn't feed that many.' He also agrees with Carlson shooting Candy's dog.
The most important thing, though, is that everyone respects Slim. Even Curley, who thinks Slim may be having an affair with his wife, is scared of him. 'Well, I didn't mean nothing, Slim. I justa ast you.' This is interesting because jobs are not easy to get in America in the 30s.