In Of Mice and Men, examine the significance of Steinbeck's phrase, "George's voice was taking on the tone of confession."

The significance of George's "confessional tone" reflects depth in George and Slim.

When George speaks to Slim, it is the first time in the novella that he has had a chance to openly talk to someone.  He is either burdened with taking care of Lennie or determining the next move for the pair.  He has never had a real chance to speak about his life and his own experiences.  However, when he sits down with...

The significance of George's "confessional tone" reflects depth in George and Slim.

When George speaks to Slim, it is the first time in the novella that he has had a chance to openly talk to someone.  He is either burdened with taking care of Lennie or determining the next move for the pair.  He has never had a real chance to speak about his life and his own experiences.  However, when he sits down with Slim to talk and play cards, it is almost as if a weight has been lifted.  He has found an active audience and can let down his guard. From a therapeutic point of view, George has been able to find some form of release. This is why his tone takes on a "confessional." He is able to speak things to Slim that have been kept inside for so long. In his conversation with Slim, George is like a penitent who finds salvation from confession.

The "confessional" tone also reflects much about Slim. Steinbeck's initial description of Slim in Chapter 2 is distinctive:

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.... His ear heard more than was said to him, and his slow speech had overtones not of thought,  but of understanding beyond thought. 

Such a description makes Slim unique.  George's tone in speaking with Slim about what happened in Weed reflects this.  George senses that Slim can provide insight simply by listening. Even when George fears that Slim might say something to the others, he dismisses it.  George knows that Slim is different from the other men on the ranch.  He realizes that Slim inspires and breeds solidarity and community as opposed to so many who are incapable of nurturing it.  This is reflected in the "Confessional" tone that George takes with Slim.