How Does Steinbeck Present Slim From Of Mice And Men

513 Words3 Pages

Slim, an authoritative worker in Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, proves through his actions time and time again that treating people with kindness and respect will earn you the same in return. On this lonesome ranch in California, Slim is one of many workers, however he is set apart by his attitude towards others. The first day he met George and Lennie, Slim made a good impression saying things like, “Hope you get on my team,” and is described speaking to them with the following quote, “His tone was friendly. It invited confidence without demanding it.” Here Slim is making an effort with George and Lennie even though he doesn’t know them. He automatically follows his instinct to treat them as equals when he could have easily taken advantage …show more content…

I'll come right out an' put it on." and after Crooks offers once more to help out he says "No. I'll come do it myself." Instead of Slim reforming to the societal standard of discriminating against people who look different than themselves, Slim treats Crooks as human. While doing this we can see that Slim wants nothing more than to be his own person and treat people with grace along the way. To him there is no need to be rude to others for his own benefit, because he realizes that treating people with kindness alone is enough to gain others' regards as a higher up. However not everyone thinks this way. Curley, the boss' son, needs to put others down for his own ego. After beating up Lennie and getting severely hurt, Slim steps in despite Curley's degrading actions and leads the way by saying, “‘We'll take 'um into Soledad an' get 'um fixed up,” and further comforting Lennie by assuring him with the words, “It ain’t your fault.” First Slim is able to command the other workers for help because he has already achieved their respect, and further shows his diplomatic attitude by helping Curley. Instead of letting him suffer because he is a bad person, he takes steps in the humane direction, ignoring his emotions toward