Why does Steinbeck call slim the prince of the ranch?

Answer 1

He his physical appearense described as quite royal 'the prince of the ranch' and generally as good looking and the way he presents himself when listening very humble. He is the leader by walking with his team and not in front so more of his team agree with him and respect him for his deads. He is also seen as proud of his work, and very good at it which are very good qualities to have which suggest care.

Slim doesn't wear high heeled boots as Curly does, he is higher naturally because of his role on the farm, but doesn't use that as an excuse for anything exept leadership. The story then says that he hears more than is said, suggesting he doesn't judge too quickly. When Candy's dog, who is old and not good to it's self, Candy looks up to Slim for final advise, there Slim puts himself into the dog's shoes and gives reason for agreeing with the dog being shot. In the scene where Curly gets his hand crushed when he fights Lennie, Slim is willing to help Curly seek attention to his badly crushed hand and hold nothing against him, the only thing he warns is that lennie not be blamed/sacked.

His reasoning more than his deads gives him the respect, he is seen to go along with the migority in his deads/what he agrees, but is his reasond that tell him appart. As previously mentioned when the dog is in limbo of being shot everyone else agrees but he is the only one to put himself in the dogs place. Also when Lennie is going to be shot/lynched george asks that he'd be locked up as he never ment to kill Curly's wife. Slim responds in saying it will be no good to have him locked up for Lennie's sake as he will be terrified and be in misery and Curly's gonna want to shoot Lennie anyway. Later on when he sees Lennie dead, everyone else think Lennie stole Carlson's gun and that Lennie is a mad man, Slim knows better, goes very close to George which shows that his influense on George to kill Lennie is notified and he can look into George's eye and say he is proud of George to pull it off and also it's for the best of intrest for Lennie. He then consols George and they both go of to get a drink to support George when he needs it. This suggests he has a lot of authority, but then he is their servant at the same time. In the book Slim is one of the most important figures (George & Lennie being the most important as they are the main characters) he is like God as he holds the lives of the dog and Lennie at limbo and ultimatly decides their death would be more humaine. Personally he is the nicest/ most beautiful character in his deeds as Geroge and Curly have to live it to make the right choices and are selfish in wanting to keep the dog and Lennie alive. It seemes that Slim would do it to an animal or good friend that he is personally attached to, he obviously would find it hard but he'd do it.

Answer 2

Steinbeck calls Slim the prince of the ranch in Of Mice and Men to highlight Slim's respected and admired position among the ranch workers. Slim is seen as a natural leader, fair and kind in his judgments, and is someone others look up to for guidance and support. His qualities set him apart as a figure of authority and wisdom on the ranch.

Answer 3

Steinbeck compares Slim as a prince because of his skills and the amount of work he puts into the ranch.