George and Martha: "The Diary"

The rule of threes says: Use a triplet. A triplet is the quickest way to establish a pattern, and a pattern in a story is immensely satisfying.

"What big eyes! What big nose! What big teeth!"

Or: the three little pigs.

Or: "One chair was too big....one was too small.....one was just right...."

James Marshall's use of threes:

George tries to spy on diarist Martha in the kitchen. He is caught.

George tries to spy on diarist Martha from the trees. He is caught.

George attempts a bald request: Please let me snoop? And--once more--he is caught. Martha slams the door in his face.

Take out just one of those three "acts," and you lose at least some of the satisfaction.....

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