Green Forest Stories · Chapter
Blacky Makes Sure explained
Blacky the Crow, despite Sammy Jay's skepticism about finding eggs in winter, returns to Redtail the Hawk's old nest and discovers two eggs, confirming his earlier suspicion.
What happens
Blacky the Crow, despite Sammy Jay's skepticism about finding eggs in winter, returns to Redtail the Hawk's old nest and discovers two eggs, confirming his earlier suspicion. He becomes cautious, wondering who laid them and what to do next.
Themes in this chapter
Wisdom and Experience
Blacky's cautious approach and decision to investigate further before acting reflect the theme of wisdom gained through experience.
Fear and Survival
Blacky's fear of the unknown egg-layer and his careful flight to avoid danger highlight survival instincts.
Characters to notice
- Blacky the Crow
Discovers two eggs in Redtail's old nest and becomes cautious about the unknown owner.
- Sammy Jay
Dismisses Blacky's talk of eggs as foolishness and invites him to Farmer Brown's corncrib.
- Redtail the Hawk
His old nest is the location where Blacky finds the mysterious eggs.
Key passages
“As true as ever I’ve cawed a caw That was a new-laid egg I saw.”
Blacky mutters to himself that he is certain he saw a freshly laid egg.
Blacky's internal conviction about the egg despite the winter setting.
“I’m foolish. I know I’m foolish. But I’ve just got to have another look in that old nest of Redtail the Hawk.”
Blacky admits his idea seems silly but feels compelled to check the nest again.
Blacky's determination overrides his self-doubt.
“Whoever had laid those eggs was big and strong. He felt sure of that. It must be someone a great deal bigger than himself, and he was of no mind to get into trouble, even for a dinner of fresh eggs.”
Blacky reasons that the egg-layer is large and powerful, so he decides not to risk confrontation for a meal.
Blacky's cautious nature and survival instinct.