In my mind, one of the best dialogues that emerges in the
novel would be the first discussion between Slim and George. The discussion that
centers on how George and Lennie travel together is one of the most poignant in the
work:
Slim is bigger than life, the 'prince
of the ranch' whose 'authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject.'
Gentle and kind, he expresses no surprise that George and Lennie travel together.
Instead Slim muses over why more men don’t. He concludes, 'Maybe ever’body in the whole
damn world is scared of each
other.”
This is a
significant moment because it addresses one of the fundamental issues of the novel. The
struggle for community and permanence in a setting that is predicated upon a transitory
nature and a sense of impermanence is vitally important to the development of the novel
and the themes within it. When Slim, a voice of authority, comments on both how there
needs to be a greater need for men to "travel together" and almost a criticism for those
that don't out of fear, it is a direct statement being made about the characters in the
text, the individuals outside of it in history, and even the reader who is reading it.
Slim's words at George's discussion about how he and Lennie look out for one another
brings out the gulf between appearances and reality, what is as opposed to what should
be. The historical context of the Great Depression makes this discussion even more
poignant. At a time when individuals are constantly looking out for one another and
doing so out of fear, Slim's words and George's assertion help to bring out the idea
that individuals can overcome their fear and look out for one another. Such a small
dialogue reveals so very much, which is why I would consider it highly
significant.
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