Part (a)
In this passage, how does Steinbeck present Slim? Refer closely to the passage
in your answer.
and then Part (b)
In the rest of the novel, how does Steinbeck show that some people on the
ranch are considered more important than others? How does this reflect the
society in which the novel is set?
a)
Slim is referred to as “the Prince of the ranch” which means that he is a good
leader, and he is also “majestic”. As a jerkline skinner, he has a position of
authority on the ranch and he is respected by the other ranchworkers.
Steinbeck describes him positively and develops his descriptions of him which
suggest that Steinbeck wants the reader to understand his qualities and also to
show the relationships between the other characters as Slim is respected by
everyone. Steinbeck describes how Slim is “capable of driving ten, sixteen,
twenty mules with a single line to the leaders” which creates the impression
that it would be amazing to watch and that Slim is awe-inspiring.
Slim’s power and authority over the men is reinforced by Steinbeck’s
description of how there is a “gravity in his manner” and how when he speaks
“all talk stopped”. In describing Slim as having “gravity” the reader imagines
the other men gravitating towards him as he is a powerful force. The fact that
all the other men stop talking when he does, shows their respect for him.
Steinbeck’s physical descriptions of Slim are also detailed and develop the
image of him as a powerful yet mysterious man. He has a “hatchet face” which
is ”ageless” and his age is unclear. His hands are “large and lean” yet
“delicate” suggesting a huge amount of controlled power.
Overall, Steinbeck develops an image of a man who combines power,
authority, respect and mystery. The reader trusts Slim’s wisdom and calm
manner.
b) Status – prejudice
Status is an important theme in Of Mice and Men as the novella explores who
has power and status and who don’t. This is all presented with the backdrop
of 1930s life in California which was very hard for ranchworkers struggling to
find work in the aftermath of the Wall Street Crash. The ranchworkers moved
from place to place lived on ranches where they had little status; however,
within the community of ranchworkers, they created their own hierarchy. This
hierarchy is seen in Of Mice and Men where characters such as Slim have high
statues due to his high level of skill; whereas characters like Crooks and Candy
have low status because of their race and disabilities. The characters with low
status are also victims of prejudice on the ranch.
Candy is an old swamper with one hand; he has the job of cleaning up after the
other ranchworkers. The other ranchworkers do not show Candy any respect,
despite him being old. A modern reader would expect the men to show
respect to an old man, but the ranchworkers don’t as society at the time of the
novella was selfish – the men had to look out for themselves. Candy is often
shown to be defending his actions, as if he is often accused of things. When
George and Lennie arrive, he says “I wasn’t listenin’. I was jus’ standin’ in the
shade a minute…” In justifying and defending his actions, the reader feels
sympathy for Candy and understands that he had a hard life.