Slim Quotes

Question 1

Physical description:
He is confident in himself, but also modest- he’s not arrogant.

Answer 1

“he moved with a majesty achieved only by royalty and master craftsmen”

Question 2

Physical description:
He is a graceful character.

Answer 2

“His hands, large and lean, were as delicate in their action as those of a temple dancer.”

Question 3

Skill as a worker:
He has impressive credentials and has earned his position on the ranch because of his extensive experience and skill.

Answer 3

“…capable of driving ten, sixteen, even twenty mules with a single line to the leaders. He was capable of killing a fly on the wheeler’s butt with a bull whip without touching the mule.”

Question 4

Friendship:
He questions the lack of friendships and close connections in society.

Answer 4

‘“Ain’t many guys travel around together,” he mused. “I don’t know why. Maybe ever’body in the whole damn world is scared of each other.”’

Question 5

Friendship:
He doesn’t mock George and Lennie’s friendship like other characters, but he questions it as he doesn’t fully understand it.

Answer 5

“Funny how you an’ him string along together.”

”It jus’ seems kinda funny a cuckoo like him and a smart little guy like you travelin’ together.”

Question 6

Friendship:
He critically comments on the unfulfilling lives workers have due to their lack of friendships.

Answer 6

“Hardly none of the guys ever travel together. I hardly never seen two guys travel together.”

”Never seem to give a damn about nobody.”

Question 7

Power:
Slim, unlike the Boss or Curley, doesn’t need to assert his power through his attire.

Answer 7

“Slim don’t need to wear no high-heeled boots…”

Question 8

Power:
Slim’s influence comes from the fact that the workers see him as one of their own. He doesn’t try to differentiate himself from them.

Answer 8

“Like the others he wore blue jeans and a short denim jacket.”

Question 9

Power:
He holds a privileged position on the ranch and is seen as an authority figure.

Answer 9

“the prince of the ranch”

Question 10

Power:
The workers respect his input and trust his advice.

Answer 10

“There was a gravity in his manner and a quiet so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke.”

“His authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject, be it politics or love.”

Question 11

Power:
He is perceptive and aware of the on goings of the ranch and its workers.

Answer 11

“His ear heard more than was said to him”

Question 12

Power:
People don’t challenge his assessment of situations or the decisions that he makes.

Answer 12

“Candy looked helplessly at him, for Slim’s opinions were law.”

Question 13

Power:
He is confident and secure enough in himself to be unaffected by Curley’s intimidation, and he challenges Curley about his wife.

Answer 13

“Well, you been askin’ me too often. I’m gettin’ God damn sick of it… You lay offa me.”

“You tried to throw a scare into Slim, an’ you couldn’t make it stick. Slim throwed a scare into you.”

Question 14

How others view him:
Candy, who gossips to George and Lennie about other characters when they arrive, gives his approval of Slim.

Answer 14

“Slim’s a jerkline skinner. Hell of a nice fella.”

Question 15

How others view him:
Carlson respects Slim.

Answer 15

“Carlson stepped back to let Slim precede him, and then the two of them went out the door.”

Question 16

How others view him:
The workers view him as composed, moderate and someone who avoids confrontation.

Answer 16

“…he better leave Slim alone. Nobody don’t know what Slim can do.”

Question 17

How others view him:
Even Curley treats Slim with some reverence and is apologetic to him.

Answer 17

“I didn’t mean nothing, Slim. I just ast you…I didn’t mean nothing…I jus’ thought you might of saw her.”

Question 18

How others view him:
Crooks, who shows animosity to most characters, respects Slim.

Answer 18

“Mr. Slim”

“Slim’s a real skinner. He looks out for his team.”

Question 19

Values:
He is optimistic and hopeful.

Answer 19

‘“It’s brighter’n a bitch outside,” he said gently.’

Question 20

Values:
He values friendliness and kindness between characters.

Answer 20

“Slim looked approvingly at George for having given the compliment.”

Question 21

Values:
He doesn’t tolerate ineffectiveness in his workers; he values strength and hard work.

Answer 21

“I gotta pair of punks on my team that don’t know a barley bag from a blue ball.”

”…I never seen such a worker…There ain’t nobody can keep up with him. God awmighty, I never seen such a strong guy.”

Question 22

Values:
He doesn’t believe that weakness has any place on the ranch - if something is too weak or without purpose, it is without value.

Answer 22

“She slang her pups last night… I drowned four of ‘em right off…I kept the biggest.”

”I wisht somebody’d shoot me if I get old an’ a cripple.”

Question 23

Values:
He is quite modest and doesn’t praise or gratitude.

Answer 23

“It wasn’t nothing…No need to thank me about that.”

‘It wasn’t nothing,” Slim repeated.’

Question 24

Treatment of others:
He is the only character who is sociable and conversational with Curley’s Wife, yet he is also flirtatious and objectifies her.

Answer 24

“Hi, Good-lookin’.”

Question 25

Treatment of others:
He is (mostly) an empathetic character and can relate to the lives of the workers.

Answer 25

“His ear heard more than was said to him”

“his slow speech had overtones not of thought, but of understanding beyond thought.”

Question 26

Treatment of others:
He is friendly, welcoming and accommodating to the new members of the ranch.

Answer 26

“He looked kindly at the two in the bunk house.”

“Hope you get on my team…”

Question 27

Treatment of others:
He supports his workers.

Answer 27

“Slim’s a real skinner. He looks out for his team.”

Question 28

Treatment of others:
He is not demanding or assertive - he wants others to feel comfortable speaking to him.

Answer 28

“His tone was friendly. It invited confidence without demanding it.”

“He wanted to talk. Slim neither encouraged nor discouraged him. He just sat back quiet and receptive.”

Question 29

Treatment of others:
He is non-judgmental of Lennie or George’s previous actions.

Answer 29

“George looked over at Slim and saw the calm, Godlike eyes fastened on him.”

‘Slim’s eyes were level and unwinking…“He ain’t mean,” said Slim. “I can tell a mean guy a mile off.”’

Question 30

Treatment of others:
He doesn’t initially consider the emotional implications on Candy of having his dog shot, but he does feel some guilt afterwards.

Answer 30

“Candy looked a long time at Slim to try to find some reversal. And Slim gave him none.”

“Slim gazed at him for a moment and then looked down at his hands; he subdued one hand with the other, and held it down.”

Question 31

Treatment of others:
He is willing to defend Lennie, who is assaulted by Curley.

Answer 31

‘Slim jumped up. “The dirty little rat,” he cried, “I’ll get ‘um myself.”’

Question 32

Treatment of others:
He exploits Curley’s inferiority complex to protect George and Lennie’s jobs.

Answer 32

‘Slim smiled wryly…“you jus’ tell an’ try to get this guy canned and we’ll tell ever’body, an’ then will you get the laugh.”’

Question 33

Treatment of others:
He is the only character who appears concerned about Curley’s Wife after her death.

Answer 33

“Slim went quietly over to her, and he felt her wrist. One lean finger touched her cheek, and then his hand went under her slightly twisted neck and his fingers explored her neck.”

‘Slim stood looking down at Curley’s wife. He said, “Curley—maybe you better stay here with your wife.”’

Question 34

Treatment of others:
He reassures George about his decision to kill Lennie, and he tries to emotionally support him in the aftermath of Lennie’s death.

Answer 34

‘Slim came directly to George and sat down beside him, sat very close to him. “Never you mind,” said Slim. “A guy got to sometimes.”’

“Come on, George. Me an’ you’ll go in an’ get a drink…You hadda, George. I swear you hadda. Come on with me.”