Key Quotations/Ideas - Slim Flashcards
What effect does the lack of backstory have
Creates a sense of mystery. Like he never arrived and will never leave the ranch. Godlike
Slims plot function
Slim is the jerk line skinner (lead mule-team driver)
He is the unofficial leader of the workers at the ranch
Voice of rule and reason
“Prince of the ranch”
“Slim’s opinions were law”
What backstory are we told about Slim
Not much, just rumours and legends
“capable of killing a fly on the wheelers butt with a bullwhip without touching the mule”
Quotes on slims appearance
“his hands, large and lean”
“Godlike eyes”
Slims main characteristics and how this helps his dramatic function
“His authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject”
Slim is kind, wise, and fair.
He is also non-judgmental which helps people confide in him
Slims dramatic function
He is a mouthpiece for characters confessions (especially George) so that Steinbeck doesn’t have to break his rule of no direct thought but can still convey what the characters are thinking.
He is the only character who appreciates the difficulty of George’s situation. This reinforces how wise he is and creates more empathy for George as we all want to be like the wise slim.
He is also present at all crucial events where he acts as the voice of morality and reason as well as finding the balance of ethics. Steinbeck uses Slim to make sure that the decisions made in the story advance the plot and in turn Steinbeck’s message.
Slims discourse function
Suggests to readers of the time that they should break away from the prejudice (mostly racist) normalities of society.
Show that you do not have to be well educated to be wise, kind, or fair. Steinbeck feels that education does not make a person better/superior.
Quotes that show how he can understand what people are thinking
“His ear heard more than was said to him”
He had “understanding beyond thought”
“Slim looked through George and beyond him”
“Slims calm invitation to confidence”
Quote supporting Steinbeck’s view on how education does not make a person superior
‘He’s a nice fella,’ said slim. ‘Guys don’t need no sense to be a nice fella.’
2 quotes at the end of the book that show how Slim was trying to comfort George
“‘Never you mind’ said Slim. ‘A guy got to sometimes’”
“You hadda, George. I swear you hadda”
These show how Slim is understanding, he’s the only one who gets the difficulty of the situation
What does the first appearance of Slim tell us?
That he has a status which is higher up on the ranch than the other workers and that he has the most skilled job.
What is the effect of using “majesty”, “royalty” and “prince of the ranch”?
This is regal language which emphasises Slim’s position on the ranch and what the other workers think of him.
Slim was “capable of killing a fly” “without touching the mule”
This is a lie but it adds to his mystique.
“Drowned four of ‘em right off”
This shows that Slim is realistic and pragmatic as he understands that there is no room for sentimentality on the ranch.
What is the significance of Slim greeting Crooks?
It shows that Slim is able to transcend over the racism determined by a society. His niceness is not related to or determined by his wisdom.
