How Does Steinbeck Use Diction In Of Mice And Men

In Steinbeck’s work, Of Mice and Men, he artfully uses diction to portray Slim, leaving the reader with a vision of a towering strong wise man. Steinbeck uses a variety of diction, some to show Slim’s personality, while others to show the respect he is given and the way he prefers to work. These types of diction create the perfect painting of Slim.

Slim is known to everyone on the ranch as a very omniscient person, someone who would give the ranchers such a good explanation of anything that they would be completely astonished. For instance, Steinbeck describes Slim by saying, “ There was a gravity in his manner a quite so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke “ (Steinbeck 33). The author uses the image of gravity to illustrate the gravitational effect Slims words have on the people around him. His unique way of expressing his thoughts interests the ranchers and makes them want to hear more about what Slim has to say. Another line Steinbeck also adds on Slim states “ His authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject, be it politics or love “ (33). This quote shows the reader how much of a powerful effect Slims thoughts had on the ranchers; they look up to him for everything, knowing he would not let them down. Lastly, Slims personality boils down to this quote “ His

Considering Slims huge size and muscular build he would complete ranch work in no time, but instead he chooses to handle everything gently and take his time. In one part of the book Steinbeck says “ His hands, large and lean, were as delicate in their action as those of a temple dancer ” (34). This quote shows how Slims size and his work contrast each other, although he is strong he handles his work gently, using his skills to the best of his ability. Slim can be related to an artist, because like an artist he carefully completes his assignment with passion aiming for