preview

How Is Slim Portrayed In Of Mice And Men

Better Essays

Leadership is a theme often overlooked in the novel Of Mice And Men, written by John Steinbeck. Characters Slim and Curley are introduced to us in Chapter two2, and they are both in the position of authority. They both have very sharp and strong personalities. However, Steinbeck's portrayal of these specific characters is very different. The way he depicts these two specific characters affects the overall dynamics and plot of the story. Their attributes as leaders can be heavily contrasted, which makes the reader contemplate who the better leader is. It can be debated that Slim is a much better leader than Curley because of his gentle, understanding, and compassionate nature. He is the epitome of a role model. Firstly, in comparison to Curley, …show more content…

Slim does not let Lennie's witless actions affect his perspective on him. He sees Lennie for who he truly is. Curley, however, had a negative outlook on Lennie from the beginning. He expresses that he does like guys who are bigger than him. His aggression towards Lennie is groundless and unreasonable. True leaders treat people equally and fairly. Obviously, Curley is the complete opposite of Slim. He abuses his authority and thinks that it gives him a license to do whatever he wants. He instigates fights and problems, especially with Lennie, as he sees him as an easy target. In chapter 3 of Of Mice and Men, Curley is seen continuously and deliberately instigating a fight with Lennie. “What the hell are you laughing at? Lennie looked blankly at him. Huh?” (Steinbeck 62). Curley walked into the bunk house and saw Lennie smiling. He concluded that Lennie was making fun of him regarding the incident in the barn, even though Lennie expressed that he had no idea what he was talking about. Regardless, Curley was going to beat him. Lennie was unable to retaliate until George instructed him to. Lennie breaks Curley's hand, which brings us to when Slim rushes Curly to a doctor and tells him not to fire Lennie and

Get Access