English Literature - Unit 1 - OMAM - Question

What methods does Steinbeck use to present Slim?

John Steinbeck presents the character Slim as the most respected man on the ranch who everyone looks up to. Slim has authority on the ranch and he also treats characters like Curley's wife and Crooks with more respect than other workers. Slim is also portrayed as being Godlike therefore his presence is calming. 

Slim has authority on the ranch and the other workers do what he says. For example, when Lennie crushes Curley's hand, Slim convinces Curley to say his hand got caught in a machine. Even though Curley is the boss's son, he still does what Slim tells him to. The other characters respect him, Carlson lets Slim leave the bunk house first when they go to get food. Also, it's only when Slim agrees that the dog should be killed that Candy accepts its fate because Slim's "word was taken on any subject". However, despite his authority, Slim is powerless to stop the tragic events of the story from happening. 

Slim seems to be the conscience of the novel. He has a strong sense…