Relationship Betweem George and Slim

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Explore the Different Ways Steinbeck Presents the Relationship between George and Slim in Part 5 of Of Mice and Men This essay will explain the ways that John Steinbeck presents the relationship between George and Slim. George is described by Steinbeck to be “small and quick” and is responsible for Lennie with whom he travels. George is friends with Lennie, and although Lennie needs him because of his mental disability, George needs Lennie just as much for companionship. In Slim’s words, George is a “smart little guy.” Slim is the jerkline skinner on the ranch and is held in the highest regard by all of the itinerant workers. Steinbeck describes him as “prince of the ranch” and he possesses such a position due to his calm and receptive demeanour. Slim is always able to assess a situation accurately and give a judgement. His authority is proven when “Candy looked a long time at Slim to try to find some reversal. And Slim gave him none.” This implies that Slim has the authority to override the decisions of the other workers, showing he is higher in the social hierarchy and has power over the workers. Steinbeck shows Slim to be the most authoritative of the pair when he says “Slim sat down on a box and George took his place opposite.” This quote suggests that Slim is dominant because he takes his seat first; meaning that he is the more important and that George respects him. George is shown to be inferior because he “took his place” like an insolent child. The author is showing that Slim is in charge of the relationship and that George is the follower. Steinbeck is giving this view to the reader because he wants the reader to realise that the relationship mirrors that of George and Lennie, as one man is dominant. George describes Lennie as making him “seem God damn smart”; just as George makes Slim seem smarter, due to Steinbeck belittling George throughout the
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