# Sammy Jay Is Modest explained — Green Forest Stories

> Chapter companion for Green Forest Stories by Thornton W. Burgess.

## What happens

After the hunter leaves the Green Forest, Lightfoot the Deer comes out of hiding and goes to Paddy the Beaver's pond for a drink. Sammy Jay, who had followed the hunter while screaming 'Thief!', returns and is thanked by Lightfoot for his warnings and help. Sammy modestly downplays his actions, explaining that he simply uses his eyes and voice to spoil the hunter's sport, and warns Lightfoot that many hunters are still searching for him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Cooperation

Sammy Jay's actions in warning and protecting Lightfoot, and the mutual appreciation between the animals, highlight the theme of friendship and cooperation.

### Fear and Survival

The constant threat of the hunter and the need for vigilance and warnings underscore the theme of fear and survival in the Green Forest.

## Character check-ins

### Lightfoot the Deer

Comes out of hiding after the hunter leaves, drinks at Paddy's pond, and expresses gratitude to Sammy Jay for his warnings and help.

### Sammy Jay

Follows the hunter while screaming 'Thief!', returns to the pond, modestly accepts Lightfoot's thanks, and warns that many hunters are still in the Green Forest.

### Paddy the Beaver

Swims out from hiding, climbs onto the bank near Lightfoot, and comments on Sammy's helpful nature, later warning Sammy to be careful of hunters.

### The Hunter

Disappears into the Green Forest after being chased by Sammy Jay; his location is tracked by Sammy's voice.

## Key lines

> Sammy Jay may be a mischief-maker, as some people say, but you can always count on him to prove a true friend in time of danger.

Though Sammy Jay is often called a troublemaker, he is a reliable friend when danger arises.

_Lightfoot acknowledges Sammy's reputation but emphasizes his loyalty in crises._

> I haven't done anything but what anybody else would have done. Old Mother Nature gave me a pair of good eyes and a strong voice. I simply make the best use of them I can.

Sammy insists he only used the natural gifts of sight and voice that anyone would use, downplaying his heroism.

_Sammy's modesty is evident as he attributes his actions to simple use of his abilities._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_forest_stories_se/chapters/xix-sammy-jay-is-modest
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_forest_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_forest_stories_se/chapters