"There was a gravity in his manner and a quiet
so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke. His authority was so
great that his word was taken on any subject, be it politics or
love."
This quote explains the unexplainable respect for this man and
that he was not similar to Curley, who is loud, rambunctious, and aggresive.
Slim seems to be elegant, quiet, and thoughtful. His earned respect not
because of status but because of the other farmer's mutual respect for him. And
if that many people do respect him, that means that he is
a likeable guy.
"Slim
looked approvingly at George for having given the compliment."
So far, the other characters have been character foils to Slim
and it is obvious in this situation, when George tells the other that they
travel together. While most would be suspicious of why George would want to
help Lennie, Slim accepted it and approved of George defending Lennie. Just
that fact sets Slim apart, but many other things make them character foils.
"His
tone was friendly. It invited confidence without demanding it."
So far, the other characters haven't taken the time to be
conversational and friendly. During the Great Depression I'm sure it was
difficult to be friendly and approachable to strangers. //other conversations
have required George to step up with his confident and proper role and put on a
show whereas when he was talking to Slim, he had no obligation to defend
himself.
His glance was at once calculating and pugnacious.
ReplyDeleteThis shows that George and Lennie will need to prove themselves to Curley, or be aware of them. When he meets them for the first time, he is judging them.
"S'pose Curley jumps a big guy an' licks him. Ever'body says what a game guy Curley is. And s'pose he does the same thing and gets licked. Then ever'body says the big guy oughtta pick on somebody his own size, and maybe they gang up on the big guy." -Candy
Unlike Slim, Curley displays rashness and uses both his status and stature as a shield.