Of Mice and Men York Notes

The introduction of Slim into the novel could almost be the introduction of a hero from a classic Western as he 'stood in the doorway', as if framed in a film. And this idea is developed as the passage goes on, with his skill as a 'jerkline skinner' emphasised by his ability to kill flies with a 'bull whip without touching the mule.'

More importantly, his skills extend beyond his work; he is clearly respected and listened to – 'his word was taken on any subject, be it politics or love', and the description of his hands which are 'delicate as those of a temple dancer' make him sound almost feminine despite their being 'large and lean'.

What this passage shows, then, is that an ordinary working man, who shares a room in a bunk house, can have 'majesty' and 'gravity' – and, through the use of the word 'kindly', shows he understands Lennie and George.

Nevertheless, although our initial impressions of Slim are positive, we should not be blind to the fact that the ranch life is a tough life; Slim is forced to drown four puppies because the mother wouldn't have enough to feed them, and he allows Carlson to shoot Candy's dog. Even he doesn't stand in the way of Lennie being killed. This is a tough society in which people take the law into their own hands – as Lennie and George found out when they were in Weed.

In addition, although Slim is presented by Steinbeck as intelligent, perceptive and a skilled worker, it has not brought him particular success. He is still a worker who lives in the bunk house, and is as likely to face being fired as much as anyone else. He, unlike George, doesn't appear to have friends as such – and is therefore isolated.

Though, Slim reminds us that for every Curley – unpleasant, rich, and violent – there are decent, honourable characters and although the book could be seen as a sort of tragedy of American life, it ends with Slim comforting George after he kills Lennie. 'You hadda George. I swear you hadda.'