Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog), Chapter 4 summary
Chapter 4 of 19 · 15 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 4, George, Harris, and the narrator choose food and supplies, rejecting oil and cheese because of their overpowering smells, before struggling to pack their luggage. The narrator’s claims of skill collapse into repeated unpacking, while his companions damage provisions and Montmorency interferes, turning preparations into a shared display of incompetence.
What happens
- George plans the meals, and the men reject paraffin oil after recalling how it spoiled a previous boat trip.
- The narrator recalls transporting Tom’s strong-smelling cheeses, which empty a railway compartment and drive Tom’s wife from home.
- On Friday evening, the narrator volunteers to pack but repeatedly opens the bag for forgotten or misplaced belongings.
- George and Harris pack the hampers, breaking a cup, crushing food, and losing butter that sticks to Harris.
- Montmorency disrupts the work, and the men finish packing at 12:50.
- They agree on waking at 6:30, find George already asleep, and place a bath where he might stumble into it.
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In this chapter
What to notice
The narrator resents his companions’ idleness, yet describes supervising others as his own preferred contribution. This exposes the gap between his self-image and his behavior.
Quick check
Where does the narrator find his toothbrush during packing?
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