Power is a word that has many meanings, and many uses. However, in the novella, "Of Mice and Men", Steinbeck shows many instances where characters use different types of power over each other. Whether it be intellectual, physical, or a more complex type such as social–economic power, it is still shown. Many characters do in fact show power over one another within the novella, but the main ones that do show power are as follows: Slim, Curley's Wife, and George.
Firstly, a secondary character, Slim, in thisnovel, "Of Mice and Men", is one of the more respected characters by the men at the ranch. Whatever he says is law, and as the novel states, "His authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject, be it politics or love." (Chapter 2, p.33) ...show more content...
Lennie is upset when he kills the puppy, which shows that he doesn't want trouble and actually wants to get the dream ranch so that he can tend to the rabbits. When he kills the puppy, Lennie talks about George, "He'll say, 'You done it. Don't try to put nothing over on me.' An' he'll say, 'Now jus' for that you don't get to tend no rabbits!'" (Chapter 5, p.85). Lennie then goes on to say, "Now I won't get to tend the rabbits. Now he won't let me." (Chapter 5, p.85). Lennie also shows anger and remorse for killing the puppy, just because he won't be able to tend to the animals at the dream ranch. Therefore, he does believe they can get the dream ranch, because of his behavior after killing the puppy. In conclusion, there are different types of power such as, social–economic, physical, and intellectual, which are displayed throughout the novella, "Of Mice and Men". The following three: Slim, Curley's Wife, and George, all exhibit power over other characters. These displays of power are abundant throughout the novel, but these are just a few snippets that I had found, which were Get more content
Slim's belief in a relationship between the presence of intelligence and of kindness can be sourced to his discussion with George. Steinbeck places great emphasis on the sheer contrast between the leading men, and this contrast can be extended throughout the entirety of their characters. George tells Slim the story of when he "[felt] pretty smart" and told Lennie to jump in the Sacramento River, establishing himself as the more intelligent of the pair, thus being the smart guy in question when Slim refers to a "real smart guy" "hardly ever [being] a nice fella." In a contrary notion, Slim references Lennie as a "nice fella" purely out of contrast with George. George poses as someone in a position of superiority and so manipulates Lennie, who
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Summary: Of Mice And Men
B. She gets too lonely and depressed to walk alone in the county and meets other men She walks and talks to Slim when he enters the ranches and see Lennie and George who turns around and avoid looking at her and for Lennie saying she is pretty when George tells him don't look or speak to her. She wonders around the county and ask the men if they have seen Curley anywhere and George turned his head around and said they have never seen him. p.31 She lets Lennie touch her hair and then starts screaming for help until her neck snapped. p.91 C. Her signs of being a victim She lets Lennie touch her hair gently and soon feels her hair being grabbed and pulled when Lennie became overwhelmed with her hair and she became screaming saying "Let go!" p.91
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By John Steinbeck
Characterizations of Slim This essay is on the analysation of the secondary character Slim and his characteristics. I chose Slim because he seems to be the wisest character among the other secondary characters. I think Slim was the best and most interesting secondary character due to the great detail put into his description. I also think this because he helped George make an important decision at the end of the book and I agree with Slim's opinion on the important subject. The details of Slim including his impressive physical condition and legendary senses as well as his great knowledge are just a few of these things that make him the most interesting to me. Also his good moral qualities and social behavior are what make him a great secondary...show more content... His ear heard more than was said to him, and his slow speech had overtones not of thought, but of understanding beyond thought. His hands, large and lean, were as delicate in their action as those of a temple dancer." (Steinbeck 34). In this quote from the book's text Slim is seen as a powerful and legendary human being who is also exceptionally wise and understanding. Since Slim is described this way by the narrator of the story he must be special or important in a way involving the story, which makes me find him interesting. In addition, George made observations of Slim's knowledge of persuasion while he was in the doorway, "His authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject, be it politics or love." (33). Slim clearly is in a good state of mental health and intelligence for others to automatically agree or understand what he has to say. It would make sense that he would be mentally sane and wise since the narrator who created him as acharacter said so with Slim being such a great person through his descriptions of Get more content
How is the character of Slim important to the novel as a whole?
Slim is significant to providing a contrast to the depression and discrimination of the other characters on the ranch. His consistency makes him a tool of comparison and gives him a unique judge–like authority.
Slim is important to contextualise other characters on the ranch. Because Slim is describes with such zealous descriptions such as 'God–like eyes' he is quickly established as a character with an excellent moral conduct. In contrast, Curley is described as 'alla time picking scraps with big guys'. With Slim, we can constantly compare characters with him, to intensify their weaknesses. For example, Slim has an 'authority so great that his word was taken on any...show more content...
So whilst other characters aim to mistreat others to feel more powerful (e.g. Curley's wife threatening to lynch Crooks}, Slim reassures us that there are more morally righteous people. In a way, whilst other characters such as Crooks see the American Dream failing, as society limits his potential due to racial code of the time, Slim has already achieved his dream. He is the successful 'jerkline skinner' who is looked up to, someone who has made a positive identity and impression on the ranch and who has achieved prosperity. He has therefore demonstrated that even migrant workers can achieve a somewhat fulfilled life if they look past the negatives. Slim is stuck in the same turbulent times, so Steinbeck uses his success to highlight an optimistic possibility for migrant workers who may read the novel.
As we have seen, Slim is significant in always being that constant, unchanging yardstick that highlights other characters' weaknesses, but also strives to enliven other people's lives through little interactions that other characters lack. His basic manners being seen as 'good' accentuates a weakened society of mistrust and broken communication, but Slim gives hope to readers all the
English Tic Tac Toe #3 I shivered and looked at the gun, and then threw it away from myself, back up on the bank, near the pile of ashes. Eyes filled with dread, I sank to my knees and covered my face with my hands. The wind whipped back and forth but all I could do was stare at the person who once was my friend. Slim's voice shouted. "George. Where you at George?" " I got him Slim, right in the back of the head." I whispered. Slim twitched my elbow. "Come on, George. Me an' you'll go in and get a drink." Slim pulled me away from Lennie, but I was reluctant to go, I didn't want to leave him lying there. "Let's go George," Slim said gently. As we stumbled back to the ranch all I could think of was Lennie's last words. Tears dripped down my face as I stumbled through the forest. "I shouldn't...show more content... I ran and ran till the shouts of the men died down. I swung the door of the stables with so much force the hinges all most came of. I sank to the floor and cried my eyes out, for today I had lost a best friend. I continued sobbing until the rustling and pattering of little feet could be heard. One of the puppies Lennie cared for was peeking from behind the hay. As I stared at the little guy, I remembered how excited Lennie was to care for the puppies. He even stayed in the barn with them to watch over them. I smiled as I reminded myself of the kind, caring person he was. All he wanted to do was to tend the rabbits. I still cannot believe I killed him, but Slim was right if I hadn't done it he would have been killed by Curley, who wouldn't have had any mercy on him. As much as I wish Lennie were alive right now, next to me, I know it's for the best. He couldn't have gone on living like the way he was. He would live a life without ever remembering people important to him and he would have to move all the time because he couldn't control his strength. I wouldn't want a life like that for
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