Character themes

Question 1

Slim talking points

Answer 1

-Initial presentation of natural authority
-Tolerant
-Pragmatically minded (logical thinker with less regard for sentiment)
-Moral character

Question 2

George talking points

Answer 2

-Microcosm for the struggle for survival and companionship
-Although protective also short tempered
-Inevitable loneliness experienced due to being an itinerant worker
-Development of Relationship with Lennie

Question 3

Lennie talking points

Answer 3

-Reliant on George
-How he is discriminated against for his disability
-Vulnerability
-Lack of gratification

Question 4

Candy talking points

Answer 4

-Microcosm for the fate of the old and weak
-Isolated
-He is a prejudiced individual
-Desperate

Question 5

Curley talking points

Answer 5

-Microcosm for destructive power, insecurity and desire for dominance
-Authority (or lack of among workers)
-Violent
-Neglectful of his wife

Question 6

Curleys wife

Answer 6

-Initially presented as promiscuous
-Oppressed (sexism)
-Part of a loveless marraige
-Dreamer (Dreams of acting)

Question 7

Crooks talking points

Answer 7

-Microcosm for mistreatment of African Americans
-Powerless
-Pessimistic and perpetually lonely
-Intelligent (reads a lot and understands his rights)

Question 8

Carlson talking points

Answer 8

-Pragmatic (lack of empathy)
-Sexist
-Violent Figure
-Downright cruel

Question 9

When slim is described as Pragmatic what does this mean and why?

Answer 9

When he drowns pups he considers the greater good with some social Darwinism in play. He aims to do “less evil” rather than “do good”

Question 10

When slim is described a naturally authortative what does this mean and how

Answer 10

“Slim don’t need to wear no high heeled boots”, slim is naturally more respected than someone like Curley and he is presented to have a high moral standing and contrasts capitalist greed. He is even called “the prince of the ranch”

Question 11

When slim is described as tolerant what does this mean and how?

Answer 11

His kindness is a contrast to the environment
He is compassionate to crooks
He does not insult Curleys wife

Question 12

When slim is described as a moral character what does this mean and how?

Answer 12

He weighs up alternatives for George when discussing what would happen to Lennie
He offers companionship to George
Slim teaches George that sometimes we must do unkind actions for good reasons. Just like pennies mercy killing.

Question 13

What conclusion is drawn about slim?

Answer 13

Slim changes from pragmatic to empathetic through the novel
Slim is used to show the true masculine approach should be pragmatism, compassion understanding and tolerance rather than violence.