Of Mice and Men Chapter 3 Titles and

Of Mice and Men Chapter 3 Titles and Explanations

Part 1: “The truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth” This title comes from the oath sworn before giving testimony. No one is on trial; there is simply an open honest discussion between George and Slim. George is trusting Slim and sharing his own flaws as well as Lennie’s misdeeds. The soft cone of light reminds us of the glow of the camp fire. In both settings, George is able to set aside his worries and share his hopes and regrets. Slim is patient and supportive of Lennie and the partnership. The competition and tension of the bunkhouse have given way to cooperation and caring.

Part 2: “Let it go” This song from the animated musical Frozen fits with Carlson’s push to save Candy’s old dog from further suffering, and rid the bunkhouse of its stink. Candy struggles with this decision, but in the end his protests don’t really matter as he is powerless, especially when Slim weighs in for this “mercy killing”. Is Carlson thoughtful or selfish? It’s hard to tell. We can see the bunkhouse attitude toward age and disability, and yet the ending of a life is a powerful decision. The silence awaiting the deed invades the usually active bunkhouse.

Part 3: “R-E-S-P-E-C-T” If you aren’t familiar with this Aretha Franklin classic, there’s no time like the present. From what we’ve heard so far, Aretha would be searching in vain for a respectful man on the ranch. Whit’s brings up Curley’s wife as a lead-in to his plan to visit a local brothel. To George she, and other women, are seen as a dangerous alternative to prostitutes, who are preferred because of the lack of connection or commitment. We want to be very careful taking their view of Curley’s wife. They see her as an object, not a person.

Part 4: “Three’s Company” The old saying is that two’s company and three’s a crowd. We might have expected that to hold. George and Lennie form an unusual team that isn’t really open to outsiders, with the exception of Slim. When Candy offers money that could really make the dream come true, George and Lennie are suddenly open to including him. For Candy, this is an opportunity to avoid the fate of his dog and find a purpose in his twilight years. Their dream, which had seemed like a fantasy , now has all of the appearances of a plan.

Part 5: The Agony of Victory An old sports show used the expressions the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. In this case those two are rearranged because even though Lennie ultimately defeats Curley, he suffers for it. He has taken a great deal of physical punishment, feels horrible for what he’s done to Curley, and he’s put his and George’s jobs at risk. It’s not Lennie’s fault. Carlson and Candy had both provoked him and George told Lennie to get him—even though he knew what that meant. Chapter 3 ends with us right back in the macho bunkhouse.