Three Blind Mice

One Merry Mouse - But What of the Other Two?

Beatrix Potter has once again personified the mice as the main characters of this rhyme. These jacket-wearing mice are undoubtedly blind; their eyes are squinted, two are wearing glasses, and one projects a cane in front of him. This mouse also seems to be using his hat to ask for donations /contributions, perhaps as payment for the fiddle/violin playing of his two companions. They are obviously on the move and have yet to meet the farmer’s wife. The two lead mice emit a more intent feeling than their counterpart in the rear. Their facial features resemble grimaces, and their postures are stooped forward. The latter mouse appears to be smiling, and his posture is upright and leaning slightly backward. This mouse appears carefree as he takes pleasure in either the music or the journey or life in general. Note the diagonal line of the mice's movement on the page.