(Ethos) In Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck created a character named Slim, who has been shown to constantly be that one mediator who demonstrates solid reliability and trustworthiness on the ranch. In the moment when he had first ended the bunkhouse, Slim is described as “a majesty achieved only by royalty and master craftsmen. He was a jerk-line skinner, the prince of the ranch, capable of driving ten, sixteen, even twenty mules with a single line of the leaders” (Steinbeck, 16.) This very visual description of Slim clearly states that he is an unrivaled expert in his job, and practically everyone on the ranch looks up to him for a sense of rationalism. In the part of the novel where Carlson deemed Candy’s dog ‘unfit to be kept alive, Candy …show more content…
had been extremely reluctant the entire time. However, Candy relented when Slim had stepped forward and reassured him that it was the best and most efficient decision, as it would’ve ‘put the dog out of its misery.’ Even the boss’ son, the ‘intimidating’ ol’ Curley listens to Slim. In the unfortunate event where Lennie basically shatters the bones in Curley’s hand, Slim quickly jumps forward and advise Curley not to have George and Lennie both fired under any circumstance. This tactic works perfectly, as Slim knows about Curley’s fear of being ridiculed, and uses that against him to help George and Lennie--who both hadn’t done anything wrong in the first place. It is important for us readers to understand Slim as this ‘middle man’ type character because it leads us to understand the novel more in depth.
In a roundabout way, Slim’s unbiased judgments are able to let us take a glimpse into future events. Such as when we begin to anticipate Lennie digging himself into a hole of trouble and despair while realizing that the only way to put an end to George and Lennie’s troublesome series of bouncing from ranch to ranch would be to put Lennie down for good. At the same time, even after witnessing George’s decision, Slim doesn't seem to change at all. Rather, he continues to support George while saying “Never you mind, a guy got to sometimes.” In this moment, Slim is basically defying the normal early 19th century stereotypes of trusts, bonds, and friendship--where you would find more strained distances than close relationships (that were in fact jeopardized in almost every way possible.) Every man for himself… right? …show more content…
Wrong. Slim also gives off this feeling of hope for humanity.
For example, the stable boy, Crooks, is racially segregated against almost everyone in the ranch. And, Slim happens to be one of the only characters who look past these things, and treats everyone in the ranch equally. No matter their race, status, or appearance. Many of the workers there wouldn’t dare be within a couple of feet of Crooks let alone have a decent conversation, yet Slim brushes away this and strides into Crook’s room without any hesitation. So what if you’re in the lowest part of society? Slim doesn't care at all. Personality over all else after
all. In contrast, a character that I do not believe fits the standards of reliability is Curley, the boss’ son and the main antagonist in the novel. Even sweet Lennie feels waves of menace flow off Curley when the shorter man first enters the bunkhouse to encounter George and Lennie. Curley is described to be a ‘thin young man with a brown face, with brown eyes, and a head of tightly curled hair.’ According to Candy, Curley is also a amateur boxer who is always looking for a fight, especially since he has immediate grudges on any man who's bigger than himself. How can anyone be able to rely on someone who merely picks a fight because that person just happens to be larger than him? Poor and unsuspecting Lennie was quickly subjected to this the second Curley set his eyes on him. If that isn’t bad enough, he even treats his wife (whom isnt even referred to by name) as his own possession, but neglects her and would rather go to the local whorehouse--even though he becomes extremely jealous and angry at who utters a single word to his wife. To which no one can argue with, Slim is this consistent pillar of the novel who shows the weakness in others and in life, while tending to them like a caring older brother would. Whereas Curley gives the almost opposite impression as unreliable.
Slims character is one important way I saw George's actions were justified. Slim is the person that showed us why George should have done what he did. “ I guess we gotta get ’I'm” slim repeated” (97).
First, Steinbeck uses the character of Slim to describe that helping others makes that individual feel gratitude towards the individual who helped
Candy’s dog. This is a sign of Carlson not knowing what it feels having someone besides
In the book it reads “Got no teeth, damn near blind, can’t eat. Candy feeds him milk. He can’t chew nothing else” (Steinbeck 36). This evidence supports my argument because it shows Candy’s dog being in pain. Candy’s dog deserves to be put out of his misery because of his suffering. In the novel, Of Mice and Men, it reads “And at his heels there walked a drag footed sheep dog, gray of muzzle with pale, old eyes. The dog stuggled lamely to the side of the room and lay down, grunting softly to himself and licking his grizzled, moth eaten coat” (Steinbeck 24). This shows the dog has been in agony and is very old with his suffering self. This evidence supports my argument because Candy’s dog needs help getting around how Lennie needs help when he gets in trouble. By shooting Candy’s dog, Carlson offers mercy to his dog. Mercy killing can also happen in real life
Candy’s dog is very precious to him, not only because he had been with him ever since he was a pup but also because he could see himself in the dogs place after a very short period of time. He was getting old and would be of no use soon. Just like the dog, everyone would be eager to get rid of him. He had lost his hand at the ranch. He is disabled, both, physically and mentally.
The character Candy could be considered lonely after the death of his dog. Before that he seems relatively happy and, in fact, is quite gregarious in chapter two when George and Lennie first enter the bunkhouse of the ranch. He goes on about the other characters and describes the Boss, Slim, Crooks, Curley and Curley's wife. He even gossips with George, telling the story about the glove on Curley's left hand which is full of vaseline so he can keep "that hand soft for his wife."It is not until chapter three that Candy's life turns lonely. Carlson, a laborer on the ranch, believes that Candy's dog is too old and decrepit. He suggests that Candy shoot it to put it out of its misery. Candy can't do it and, because Slim gives Carlson the approval, the man takes Candy's dog and kills it.
As the novel continues on we are introduced to another pair whose relationship is just as strong as George and Lennie’s, the two being Candy and his old pup. Candy and his pup have been together for years on end and have formed a indescribable love for one another. However, as the years have rolled past, age has caught up with the Candy’s best friend causing many to suggest euthanasia. Regretfully, Candy agreed, afterwards uttering, “I ought to of shot that dog myself George. I shouldn’t ought to let no stranger shoot my dog” (Steinbeck 61) Often with age, humans and animals alike become impaired and quite sentinel. In the case of Candy’s pup, his age had progressed to the point where life was too difficult and pain was more relevant than pleasure. It would only be fair for Candy to place his feet where paws lay and imagine if he could go out peacefully rather than through heavy slow breathing every day. Although Candy recognized this and allowed this procedure to be completed who showed he had the best intentions for his pup, he did not take manors into his own hands. Rather than stand shoot his pup out of love, he remained inside and allowed the dog to be killed without emotion, almost as though there was no meaning. Sadly, the past cannot redo itself so Candy is forever regretful of the loss of his canine friend, yet by
When Lennie and George encounter Slim, another ranch hand, they automatically respect him and react positively towards him. “This was Slim, the jerkline skinner. His hatchet face was ageless. He might have been thirty-five or fifty. His ear heard more than was said to him, and his slow speech had overtones not of thought, but of understanding beyond thought. His hands, large and lean, were as delicate in their action as those of a temple dancer.” (Steinbeck, 33-34) Slim is the noblest of the ranch as the only character who seems to be at peace with his circumstances and his life. The other characters view slim as wise and respectable man and often go to him for guidance, as the only person who has achieved what he wants in life.
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.
Although Slim is indulgent, compassionate, receptive and is looked up to as the “ideal man.” He does hold a form of loneliness which is portrayed through solitariness. The reader can deduce Slim’s loneliness once George and Lennie found a job at the bunkhouse. Where, George and Lennie were given positions as migrant workers to be part of Slim’s team as they’ll soon be partners. Once George and Lennie have met Slim, they conversated and Slim asked them a few questions regarding their relationship, were Slim’s solitariness is illustrated. "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"(35). At this moment George and Lennie’s friendship grant Slim’s
Although some might disagree.You might think how does he deserve sympathy if he wasn’t willing to show sympathy towards others? Well Carlson didn’t know how to and refused to because he’s never had anyone to count on. Whenever Candy’s dog appeared Carlson would always disrespect it for being old and smelly. “Why’n’t you shoot him, Candy (44).” Carlson mentioned this because he hates how the dog smells, but he didn’t take the time to understand Candy’s reason of keeping this old stinky dog around. For him it was pointless to keep an old dog so might as well kill it and get it out of its misery. Little does he know that by saying this proves how lonely he is and doesn’t know the meaning of friendship. Candy had this dog since it was a pup and they’ve been together so long therefore he couldn’t just shoot it like it meant nothing to him Carlson not caring says “He ain’t no good to you, Candy. An’ he ain’t no good himself (44).” It’s so hard for him to understand all he needs is someone to knock some sense into him. Especially at the very end of the book George shot Lennie, his best friend, the person who he was always there for. Slim knows that George made such a hard decision and they are both affected by it and all Carlson said while looking at them was “Now what the hell ya suppose is eatin’ them two guys (106).” This is such a frustrating part because how would Carlson feel if he had to shoot his best friend?
As Mark Twain once stated, “The more I know about people, the better I like my dog.” This sentiment is often echoed by general society; people seem to have lost faith in humanity. However, John Steinbeck illustrates his more optimistic opinion about “the perfectibility of man” by suggesting how man can improve. In his novel, Of Mice and Men, two tenants called George and Lennie go through many hardships all while chasing their dream of possessing their own farm. While they work at a farm, they meet an old swamper called Candy who offers to help them achieve their dream; he does so to ensure that he will have a future after he is fired for being too old. On page 60, Candy discusses the recent death of his dog and asks to join in on George and Lennie’s dream. Through this passage, Steinbeck proves that humans have an animalistic tendency of eliminating those who are weaker than them. This is depicted through the details connecting Candy to his dog as well as Candy’s diction when describing his potential future life. Steinbeck’s negative attitude towards man’s predatory nature implies that society needs to improve and prevent such oppressive behavior from occurring.
Couldn't swim a stroke. He damn near drowned before we could get him.”. in this environment the strong characters attack the weak an example would be when Carlson bullied candy in to killing his dog "I'll put the old devil out of his misery right now," (p.47) and the weak ones attack the weaker, like when crooks picks on Lennie "jus' s'pose he don't come back," (p.72) Lennie is by far the most venerable because of his mental disability, making him easy to manipulate. Candy and his dog reflect George and lennie, George being candy and lennie being the dog, this is because much like the dog lennie depends greatly on George, and just like the dog lennie gets shot in the back of the head with the same gun that was used to kill the
To begin, Steinbeck’s foreshadowing throughout the plot to reveal the element of cruelty. On example of foreshadowing is when Crooks, Lennie and Candy are in Crooks’ room and Curley’s wife walks in asking if they have seen Curley. In response, Candy replies, “You gotta husban’. You got no call foolin’ aroun’ with other guys, causin’ trouble” (77). In this instance, Steinbeck foreshadows Curley’s wife eventually causing trouble. This shows the cruelty in human nature because Curley’s wife is not innocently talking to the men, she is purposefully causing a row on the ranch. The next example of foreshadowing in the novel is when Candy’s dog is killed. Carlson says to Candy, “Look Candy. This ol’ dog jus’ suffers hisself all the time. If you was to take him out and shoot him right in the back of the head-“ (45). Throughout the plot, the reader can see the parallels in the relationships between Candy and his dog and Lennie and George. The dog and Lennie are both nuisances due to their handicaps. The cruelty lies in the fate that awaits characters like Lennie and Candy’s dog; they are killed because they are no...
Slim befriends Lennie and George, and makes them feel welcome. Lennie and George are quite the opposite to the rest of the characters, as they don't have a family, and they finish off physically fighting for work, because they need it so badly. In the second chapter all the other characters sound like commoners