Comparing John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice And Men'
Of Mice And Men Slim Questions
Question A- How does the extract improve the reader’s understanding of Slim?
The passage immediately introduces Slim as an authoritative and almost regal member of the ranch:
“He moved with a majesty only achieved by royalty and master craftsmen.”
Most of the men working on the ranch are transient and poor and, although Slim is no exception, he does not share their careless and selfish attitudes. Slim also accepts his authority and responsibilities, despite the fact that he would have little respect outside of the ranch, which, ironically, places him in high standing on the ranch. This is emphasized by the admiration and respect given to him by the others: “…the prince of the ranch”. He is awarded a title by the others due to the fact that they do not see him as equal to them; they view him as an almost mythical person of extreme benevolence and compassion. They therefore give him more attention and hold him higher esteem than they do with …show more content…
He becomes the other character’s paragon of perfection, everything they had wished to be. Similarly, he is shown to be considered omniscient by the others on the ranch: “His ear heard more and was said to him, and his slow speech had overtones not of thought, but of understanding beyond thought.” Slim is revered by the others as someone far beyond their comprehension as well as something they could only wish to be. They are all lonely and so connect to Slim as someone who they believe could protect them and could advise them without judging or pitying them; in his understanding of them, he becomes their guide and
Question A- How does the extract improve the reader’s understanding of Slim?
The passage immediately introduces Slim as an authoritative and almost regal member of the ranch:
“He moved with a majesty only achieved by royalty and master craftsmen.”
Most of the men working on the ranch are transient and poor and, although Slim is no exception, he does not share their careless and selfish attitudes. Slim also accepts his authority and responsibilities, despite the fact that he would have little respect outside of the ranch, which, ironically, places him in high standing on the ranch. This is emphasized by the admiration and respect given to him by the others: “…the prince of the ranch”. He is awarded a title by the others due to the fact that they do not see him as equal to them; they view him as an almost mythical person of extreme benevolence and compassion. They therefore give him more attention and hold him higher esteem than they do with …show more content…
He becomes the other character’s paragon of perfection, everything they had wished to be. Similarly, he is shown to be considered omniscient by the others on the ranch: “His ear heard more and was said to him, and his slow speech had overtones not of thought, but of understanding beyond thought.” Slim is revered by the others as someone far beyond their comprehension as well as something they could only wish to be. They are all lonely and so connect to Slim as someone who they believe could protect them and could advise them without judging or pitying them; in his understanding of them, he becomes their guide and