“Of Mice and Men” – Character Analysis – Slim

SLIM

John Steinbeck describes Slim as a “God-like” character who has an “understanding beyond thought”, which gives the reader the idea that Slim is an intelligent and understanding character that thinks deeper than the average american at that time. These descriptions are the foundations of Slim’s character and purpose in “Of Mice and Men”. This is firstly because of Slim’s role in the plot of the novel, he plays the role of the incredibly talented Skinner who seems to converse with one of the main characters, George.
Throughout the conversations between Slim and George, there is evidence that there is a large amount of understanding and respect between each of the characters. This is because, during one of their conversations George talks about his and Lennie’s own past in Weed which could have been disastrous, if spread, to their jobs on the farm. (Note that Slim is also a character without a revealing back-story.)
However underneath the plot of the book Steinbeck gives an underlying purpose to almost all the characters including Slim. Slim’s purpose in the book is to be the American role-model for all men at the time of the Great Depression. This is because Slim  thinks on a different level than the other characters on the farm and respects almost everybody including Crooks, this furthermore  relates towards “The American dream” and that  “All men are created equal” ; this overall, gives Slim an atmosphere of deference.