Three Blind Mice

Jovial and Unaware - Are These Mice High-stepping Toward Disaster?

The mice in this illustration are personified with country flair. The farmer’s wife is not present as the mice, tails intact, strut down a dirt road beside the tall grass. Although wearing pants, hats, a vest, and a jacket, these mice are more casually dressed than other personified mice. This casual feel is accomplished with plaids and stripes, a straw hat, sailor’s hat, and golfer’s cap. The only implication of any vision problem is the glasses worn by the lead mouse; yet, his are normal spectacles, not the blackened variety worn by other blind mice. The purpose of the comb carried by the center mouse is a mystery, but the lead mouse is pointing towards something they are approaching - perhaps the farm. Their demeanor is similar to that of the third mouse in Beatrix Potter’s piece – carefree and lighthearted – as they are unaware of their future. The ease and innocence of these mice summons a sense of compassion because viewers anticipate their impending fate.