"Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck A comparison of Slim, Curly, and Crooks

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Of Mice and Men

A Comparison of Slim,

Curly, and Crooks

Slim

Slim is the "prince of the ranch" (pg. 33) and a man held in the utmost view of respect. When we are first introduced to this character, he is described as a man whose "authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject, be it politics or love... His face was ageless... His ear heard more than was said to him, and his slow speech had overtones not of thought, but of understanding beyond thought." (pg. 33) Past his optimal physical attributes, tall and built, Slim is the most caring man of the bunkhouse. He welcomes George and Lennie into the group without hesitation and even gives Lennie a pup. Along with his compassion, he has an air of dignity and understanding, as displayed during George's recounting of the incident in Weed. His indiscrimination of Lennie as well as Crooks shows he is a fair man who does what is right, not what is best for him.

Slim is one of few men who would risk his own well-being in order to save another, as he did when Lennie was under attack by Curly. In all aspects, Slim represents the connection between the proletariat and the aristocracy of America. He is somewhat of a middleman, for he could fit into either category and does not discriminate based upon status.

Curly

Curly, the boss's son, is undoubtedly harboring many feeling of insignificance. His small stature and status among the guys in the ranch obviously make him feel inferior, as they would anyone. The constant worry of his wife's fidelity as well as his insecurities about himself and his appearance haunt him throughout each day, causing him to lash out and therefore be labeled as...