Of Mice and Men Chapter 3 Analysis
How does Chapter 3 further our understanding of characters and the key themes of loneliness and dreams in the novel?
Chapter three is a deeply significant chapter, because many events that happen foreshadow what is later to occur. Not only that, it also gives us a deeper understanding of the characters and how certain events affect them. In addition to this, it empathizes the theme of loneliness.
For example, Whit, a young laboring man, is eager to show the others a letter published in a magazine, written by someone who had worked with him. The fact he was so excited that he had found a trace of his friend immortalized in print suggests he is severely lonely, ‘he went to his box shelf and laid the magazine carefully in’ he is grasping at whatever form of human companionship he can find. He is not excited by the thought of minor fame through association, but by the idea that while his friend may be gone, he hasn’t disappeared. I believe he takes comfort in the thought that his friend, in the same position as him in life, has managed to leave a mark on this world, and he himself hopes he will not be forgotten.
Examples of foreshadowing include the shooting of Candy’s beloved dog. The relationship between Candy and his dog draws a parallel with George and Lennie’s relationship, and how Candy reacts is significant. What is supremely important is that Candy later states that he feels he should have shot his own dog ‘”I shouldn’t ought to of let no stranger shoot my dog”’. This is important as George ends Lennie’s life himself, ensuring that he hears his dream and dies happy, rather than dying a gruesome death. Another event that is foreshadowed is the end of the end of the dream in horrible, unexpected violence, caused by Lennie’s brute strength. After George, Lennie, and Candy make plans for the dream and see it taking shape, believing for first time it is possible, Lennie is attacked, and whilst defending himself he inadvertently pulverizes Curley’s hand.
Chapter three is a deeply significant chapter, because many events that happen foreshadow what is later to occur. Not only that, it also gives us a deeper understanding of the characters and how certain events affect them. In addition to this, it empathizes the theme of loneliness.
For example, Whit, a young laboring man, is eager to show the others a letter published in a magazine, written by someone who had worked with him. The fact he was so excited that he had found a trace of his friend immortalized in print suggests he is severely lonely, ‘he went to his box shelf and laid the magazine carefully in’ he is grasping at whatever form of human companionship he can find. He is not excited by the thought of minor fame through association, but by the idea that while his friend may be gone, he hasn’t disappeared. I believe he takes comfort in the thought that his friend, in the same position as him in life, has managed to leave a mark on this world, and he himself hopes he will not be forgotten.
Examples of foreshadowing include the shooting of Candy’s beloved dog. The relationship between Candy and his dog draws a parallel with George and Lennie’s relationship, and how Candy reacts is significant. What is supremely important is that Candy later states that he feels he should have shot his own dog ‘”I shouldn’t ought to of let no stranger shoot my dog”’. This is important as George ends Lennie’s life himself, ensuring that he hears his dream and dies happy, rather than dying a gruesome death. Another event that is foreshadowed is the end of the end of the dream in horrible, unexpected violence, caused by Lennie’s brute strength. After George, Lennie, and Candy make plans for the dream and see it taking shape, believing for first time it is possible, Lennie is attacked, and whilst defending himself he inadvertently pulverizes Curley’s hand.