Slim

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A Natural Leader

When Slim is introduced, George is instantly struck by his leadership skills.

From the very first time Steinbeck introduces Slim to the reader, he is portrayed as a natural leader: “He moved with a majesty achieved only by royalty and master craftsmen.” (Section 2).

It is as if Slim has a kind of natural gravity which draws people towards him. When he speaks, people listen: “There was a gravity in his manner and a quiet so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke.” (Section 2).

People follow Slim’s instructions because they respect him rather than fear him (unlike Curley): “His authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject, be it politics or love. (Section 2).

Slim supports George and Lennie throughout the novel. Steinbeck presents him as a character with morals (compared to others).

George immediately considers Slim to be a trustworthy character, and they have frank and open discussions: “George looked over at Slim and saw the calm, Godlike eyes fastened on him.” (Section 2).
Slim also reassures and comforts George when he shoots Lennie at the end of the novel: "You hadda, George. I swear you hadda.” (Slim, Section 6).

After Curley attacks Lennie, and Lennie breaks his hand in retaliation, Slim takes George and Lennie’s side.
This ensures that George and Lennie won’t be fired from the ranch: “I think you got your han' caught in a machine. If you don't tell nobody what happened, we ain't going to. But you jus' tell an' try to get this guy canned and we'll tell ever'body, an' then will you get the laugh.” (Slim, Section 2).

Slim has a much more respectful attitude than some of the other ranch workers.
- For example, while many of the men are racist and abusive towards Crooks, Slim treats him more like an equal: “Oh! Hello, Crooks. What's'a matter?” (Slim, Section 3).

Less interested in having fun and playing games, Slim is known to be completely dedicated to looking after his team: “He looks out for his team … a real skinner” (Slim, Section 4).
Because Slim is so respected on the ranch, he takes on the role of maintaining order: “Slim's opinions were law” (Section 3).

We see a slightly different side to Slim a few times in the novel. He seems capable of cruelty.

Slim shows that he is able to make difficult decisions which might hurt others when he approves the shooting of Candy’s dog: "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.” (Slim, Section 3).
Similarly, he drowns some of his own puppies in a remorseless way. Slim clearly doesn’t find difficult decisions too painful: "I would of had to drowned most of 'em anyways.” (Slim, Section 3).

Slim is a very mysterious character, and we don’t know much about his past or where he comes from. Could there be a subtle suggestion from Steinbeck that this “prince of the ranch” (Section 2) is too good to be true?