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Three Men in a Boat · Theme
Simplicity vs. Complexity
How Three Men in a Boat develops Simplicity vs. Complexity.
The story contrasts the ideal of a simple, uncluttered life with the unnecessary burdens people carry, as seen in the packing list debate and the metaphor of 'throwing the lumber overboard' from life's boat.
Where it surfaces
- Plans Discussed—Pleasures of Camping-out—Compromise Decided on—Montmorency, First Impressions of
The contrast between J.'s romantic vision of simple camping and Harris's practical concerns highlights the tension between idealism and reality.
- III
The narrator contrasts the simple pleasures of a river trip with the unnecessary 'lumber' of social pretensions and material excess.
- Our First Night Under Canvas
The simple task of setting up a tent becomes a complex, chaotic ordeal.