Green Forest Stories · Chapter
Peter Scares the Twins explained
Peter Rabbit discovers Mrs.
What happens
Peter Rabbit discovers Mrs. Bear's secret—two tiny bear cubs—and, after overcoming his own fear, gives in to mischief and scares them with a loud thump, delighting in his rare moment of causing fright.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence and Vulnerability
The cubs' first glimpse of the Green Forest and their frightened reaction highlight their innocence and vulnerability.
Fear and Survival
Peter's initial panic and the cubs' flight demonstrate the pervasive role of fear in the lives of the woodland creatures.
Characters to notice
- Peter Rabbit
Discovers Mrs. Bear's cubs and scares them for fun.
- Mother Bear
Her secret of the cubs is revealed; she is absent during the scene.
- Buster Bear
Mentioned as the possible father of the cubs.
Key passages
“For timid folk no joy is quite Like giving other folks a fright.”
Timid creatures find special pleasure in scaring others.
Opening couplet sets the chapter's mischievous tone.
“This is no place for me, and the sooner I get away from here the better.”
Peter realizes he is in danger and decides to leave quickly.
Peter's instinctive fear of Mrs. Bear.
“He, Peter Rabbit, actually had frightened two Bears and made them run. Now he would have something to boast about.”
Peter is proud to have scared two bear cubs and looks forward to bragging.
Peter's triumph and amusement at the rare event.