The Equivalent of a Jerkline Skinner.

My mocks start tomorrow, and my first one is English Literature. I'm dreading it, so here's my revision on Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. I might do Blood Brothers too, depending on how I'm feeling.

SLIMMM!

1. Provides relief for the reader - He's welcoming and acts as an ally on the ranch. He speaks to George with a friendly tone and don't question the fact that they travel together. He describes Lennie as a "nice fella" who "ain't mean". To add to this, he tries to defend Lennie when Curley attacks him.
   
   
2. Sets the moral tone and has notable qualities - Slim is a skilled jerkline skinner, unlike the rest of the men who're primarily for labour. Steinbeck praises Slim more than any other character and talks about how he can remove a fly from a horse's back without harming the horse. Slim's word is "law", and this is displayed when Candy looks at Slim to find "some reversal". Candy does this because he knows Slim is the only one with the power to save his dog.
   
   
3. Ensures justice is done - As mentioned above, Slim doesn't save Candy's dog (although he could). Slim says that Curley "had it comin' to him" when his hand is crushed.
   
   
4. Is supportive - Slim is supportive of George and Lennie. He's on their side and even gives Lennie one of his pups. This kindness is extended to Candy when his dog is shot. Slim also consoles George when he kills Lennie, and even helps him make the hard decision to do so.
   
   
5. Has authority and universal respect - Slim doesn't need to wear high heeled boots (like Curley) to be called the "prince of the ranch", in fact he's described as moving "with a majesty only achieved by royalty and master craftsmen". This again backs up the fact that Slim is skilled. Slim's word is taken on any subject and Steinbeck describes him as "ageless" and even "godlike", which makes him seems supernatural and above the other men. Even Curley has respect for him, and this is displayed when he accepts the 'machine' alibi for his crushed hand and apologizes for accusing Slim of an affair with his wife. The other men on the ranch respect Slim, such as Crooks who calls him "Mr Slim" and Carlson who lets him "precede him" as one might do with royalty.
   
   
6. Has confidence - Slim's confidence is displayed in the way he moves (as mentioned above) and he also draws confidence from others, such as when he encourages George to tell him about Lennie almost drowning. His eyes are also describes as "calm" because this instils a confidence in others.
   
   
7. Is kind - Finally, we know Slim is kind because he gives Lennie one of his pups and offers to give one to Crooks too. He's kind to George and Lennie and acts as an ally on the ranch. He tries to defend Lennie when Curley attacks him and provides him with an alibi. He's also cruel to be kind, such as when he drowns some of his pups because the mother couldn't feed all of them. Similarly, Slim supports George and helps him make the decision to kill Lennie, rather than him be shot in the guts by Curley. He also tells Carlson to take a shovel to bury Candy's dog, so he doesn't have to see the dead body.

Wow, that was actually quite a lot. I can't be bothered to do any more right now :P

Laters :)

PS - There's the website:

http://www.shmoop.com/of-mice-and-men/