The Power Of Power In Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

The book, Of Mice and Men is not just about the death of Lennie, as one might think, it’s also about power. Throughout the book, one can observe each character’s attempts to gain influence over the ranch crew, or at least to be accepted into a society. However, only one man can be on top, and that man became Slim, the ageless jerkline skinner. Unlike Curley, he lead with an understanding mind instead of abusing the power gained by achieving the American Dream.
Slim set a specific tone as soon as he was introduced; one could tell right from the start that he was the top dog. The first mention of him was also a jab at Curley “‘Slim don’t need to wear no high-heeled boots’” (Steinbeck, 28). He didn’t need the riches of someone living the American

The men showed their respect in almost unnoticeable ways, “Carlson stepped back to let Slim precede him.” (Steinbeck, 36) It was such a small act, but powerful when one considered Carlson: a big, overbearing man, powerful in his own right, stepped aside for a greater power to take the lead. Even Curley respected him in his own way; he knew the power Slim wielded was greater than his own, and what was worse, his wife knew it as well “ ‘Thinks Slim’s with his wife, don’t he’” (Steinbeck, 54). He thought Slim would try to steal his wife, a subconscious assumption, as Curley probably would have done the same if any of the men under him had a wife. He thought that was what powerful men did, so he assumed that was what Slim would do. However, the best example of subconscious respect was when George pleaded for Lennie’s life: “ ‘Couldn’ we maybe bring him in an’ they’ll lock him up? He’s nuts, Slim. He never done this to be mean’” (Steinbeck, 97). Slim was the first man George looked to for help, not Curley. The very fact that he didn’t even try with Curley until Slim turned him down showed he trusted Slim to do what was right, and he hoped that was to help Lennie. Hope, that was what Slim offered, hope and wisdom, what did Curley have to offer? These almost unnoticeable actions actually speak louder than when Slim’s power was proclaimed outright, his respect