Final answer:
The repeated emphasis on silence in Chapter 3 of "Of Mice and Men" deepens the mood of anticipation and tension, highlighting characters' emotions and the sense of isolation in the novel.
Step-by-step explanation:
The repeated mention of silence in Chapter 3 of "Of Mice and Men" contributes significantly to the book's overall mood by creating an atmosphere of tension and anticipation. The silence accentuates the internal emotions of the characters and signifies the unspoken anxieties and subdued fears that permeate the setting. This can be seen through various scenes where the lack of noise amplifies the sense of foreboding and underscores the isolation and loneliness of the characters. For example, descriptions of the bunkhouse in contemplative quiet or moments when characters are left with their thoughts amidst an ominously silent landscape underscore the looming sense of unease that characterizes much of the novel.