Slim Flashcards
(22 cards)
What is Slim dignified as?
A charismatic craftsman
What does Slim have that contrasts with the pervasive violence of other characters?
A natural authority, with gentleness and friendliness
What does Slim represent as a character?
A strong moral force, almost acting like a ‘conscience’ to other characters
What does Steinbeck’s opening description represent to his character?
The strong, skilled and chivalrous man who was idealised in Hollywood western movies of the 1930s
What quote is intended to make him a figure that the reader trusts?
‘Like the others he wore blue jeans or a denim jacket’
What is Slim know as on the ranch, and why?
‘Prince of the ranch’ because he ‘moved with a majesty only achieved by royalty’.
Why is Slim important to the ranch?
Because skilled workers were highly valued in 1930s America
What quote shows he’s trusted by the other ranch hands?
‘His authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject’
What quotes are used to describe him in divine terms?
‘His hatchet face was ageless’. ‘His ear heated more than was said’. ‘His hands, large and lean…delicate…as a temple dancer’.
How does he enable other ranchers to confess their feelings to him?
Because of his calm and god-like manner
How does Slim act when first meeting George and Lennie?
‘He looked kindly at the two in the bunkhouse’
What does Slim contrast with on the ranch when treating others?
Those who attempt to bully others that they perceive as weak
What quote shows Slims surprise at George and Lennie travelling together?
“Ain’t many guys who travel around together”
What does Steinbeck want the readers to understand through Slims character?
The dehumanisation that migrant workers suffered whilst travelling from ranches
What quote shows that temporary employment was normal for the workers?
“Work a month, and then quit and go out alone”
Why do the workers ‘never seem to give a damn about nobody’?
Because the competition for jobs dehumanised them, making them lack sympathy and empathy for others
What quote shows that only the physically and mentally strongest can survive in the 1930s?
“I drowned four of the right off. She couldn’t feed that many”
What quote proves that Slim is a glimpse of hope that there are men with a moral code that see the good in people?
“Hope you get on my team, he said. His voice was gentle.”
What quote shows Slim values Lennie for what he is, and doesn’t attempt to exploit his weakness?
“Guys don’t need no sense to be a nice fella”. “I can see that Lennie ain’t a bit mean”.
What does that fact that he doesn’t judge George for the way he treated Lennie say about him?
He considers the evidence carefully and is god-like in authority
What quote shows Slim understands what George had gone through when shooting Lennie?
“You hadda, George. I swear you hadda.”
The ranch is a very masculine world of hard work, gambling, and fighting. By presenting Slim, what could Steinbeck be suggesting?
His approach is the way forward in the modern world