READ THE FIRST TEN CHAPTERS OF THE NOVEL THREE MEN IN A BOAT AND WRITE SUMMARY OF EACH CHAPTER IN 5-8 LINES
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The narrator, J., is smoking in his room with his friends, George and William Samuel Harris, and his dog Montmorency and all are chatting about their latest illnesses, each man certain that he is in danger of death or serious disease. In a flashback, J. recollects how he once went to the British Museum to research a treatment for his hay fever, and after reading about diseases, convinced himself that he was suffering from every illness known to man except for housemaid’s knee. J.’s doctor, recognized the man's paranoia, prescribed him beefsteak, beer, walking, and good sleep habits, and urged him not to stuff his head with things he didn't understand. J. still believes that he suffers from every disease, but he is especially concerned about his ‘liver condition’.The friends decide that taking a vacation together would restore their health, and debate locations for a week-long excursion. After a debate, everyone approves of taking a boat trip down the Thames. Though J. worries that Montmorency will get bored in the boat, they decide to bring him along anyway.
Chapter 2The men begin to make plans for their boat trip. George and J. want to camp along the river, believing that sleeping outside will offer a true escape from the city. J. describes the beauty and power of nature. However, Harris points out that camping would be unpleasant if it rains, so they decide to camp on nights with good weather and sleep in inns when the weather is poor. J. prefers hotels for his dog's comfortability. The men leave for a pub, to further discuss arrangements for the trip.
Chapter 3At the pub, they compile a list of what they need to pack. Harris volunteers to write out the list, and J. compares him for the reader to his Uncle Podger. Further, Uncle Podger ends up causing more work for everyone else for he is so accident-prone. The men do not want to leave anything behind and the list soon becomes ridiculously long. George suggests that they bring only the things they cannot do without. They decide to bring a cover a sleep in the boat so that they do not need to pack a tent. George promises that it will be easy to wash their clothes in the river with a bit of soap, and J. and Harris trust him.
Chapter 4Continuing to plan, the friends discuss what they will need for cooking. As paraffin oil had oozed everywhere on a previous boat trip, they decide to bring a methylated spirit stove. For breakfast and lunch, they choose food that is easy to cook - but not cheese, because of its strong smell. J. launches into a long digression about an incident on the horrible smell of cheese. Back at his house, J. volunteers to pack the clothes, believing himself an exceptionally efficient packer. However, he keeps forgetting items, and then has to unpack in order to fit them in. He describes his habit of losing his toothbrush when traveling. Harris and George watch J. pack with great amusement, and volunteer to pack the food when J. finally finishes. They are no better at it – they constantly forget items, and Harris steps in the butter. Throughout it all, they keep tripping over Montmorency. After some bickering, they finish, and assign George to wake them up at 6:30 the next morning.