Green Forest Stories · Chapter
Blacky Tries Another Plan explained
Blacky the Crow, undeterred by his failed plan to steal Hooty the Owl's eggs, devises a new scheme to lure his relatives back to torment Mrs.
What happens
Blacky the Crow, undeterred by his failed plan to steal Hooty the Owl's eggs, devises a new scheme to lure his relatives back to torment Mrs. Hooty on her nest, hoping she will leave the eggs unguarded so he can snatch one.
Themes in this chapter
Moral Ambiguity
Blacky's persistence is praised as a virtue, but his goal is mischievous and selfish, highlighting the duality of determination.
Characters to notice
- Blacky the Crow
Persistent schemer who tries a new plan to steal Hooty's eggs by calling his relatives to torment Mrs. Hooty.
- Hooty the Horned Owl
Leads Blacky's relatives away from the nest to protect Mrs. Hooty and the eggs.
- Mrs. Hooty
Sits stubbornly on the nest, glaring angrily at the crows but refusing to leave.
- Redtail the Hawk
Mentioned as the former owner of the nest now used by Hooty.
Key passages
“When one plan fails, just try another; Declare you’ll win some way or other.”
If at first you don't succeed, try again with a different approach.
Opening maxim about perseverance.
“Not one of his relatives had noticed that nest. They had been too busy teasing Hooty. This was just as Blacky had hoped.”
Blacky's relatives were so focused on tormenting Hooty that they missed the nest, which suited Blacky's selfish plan.
Blacky's cunning and selfishness.