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Set in the Depression, Of Mice and Men, by John Steinback

Decent Essays

Of Mice and Men, a novel set in the 1930s Depression by John Steinback is known even to this day for being a gripping tale of true friendship. John Steinbeck was born in Salinas, California to which became the setting for his fiction, including Of Mice and Men. Steinbeck’s best-known books spiral around deprived California wanderers. In spite of their conditions and circumstances they hold onto hope of the American Dream. In Of Mice and Men there’s one character that is true to himself throughout the novel. John Steinback develops the character of Slim, the prince through description of him, his lines of dialogue, and by his actions. Slim, the Prince of the Ranch captivates the characters around him. That is apparent through their descriptions of him. A tall man who stands over the others, he’s the only character at peace with himself. Slims hatchet face makes him seem ageless and wise (31). He is a god-like figure among the men, since every word he speaks is instantly truth. When he does lie it’s for the best of the crowd. When Lennie hurts Curley's hand, Slim tells steps in, "I think you got your han' caught in a machine. If you don't tell nobody what happened, we ain't going to. But you jus' tell an' try to get this guy canned and we'll tell ever'body, an' then will you get the laugh" (63). They let his authority decide who is to be punished and who spared. Slim is described as a respectable man with power gained just by being himself. He’s the jerkline skinner whose ear

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