Green Forest Stories · Chapter
Mr. and Mrs. Whitefoot explained
Whitefoot courts and wins the shy Miss Dainty, who becomes Mrs.
What happens
Whitefoot courts and wins the shy Miss Dainty, who becomes Mrs. Whitefoot. They explore together, but Mrs. Whitefoot is reluctant to leave her old home. After a close call with Shadow the Weasel, she agrees to visit Whitefoot's home.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Courtship
Whitefoot's persistent courtship of Miss Dainty and their eventual union as Mr. and Mrs. Whitefoot.
Innocence and Vulnerability
The couple's playful joy is tempered by the constant threat of predators like Shadow the Weasel.
Characters to notice
- Whitefoot the Wood Mouse
Courts Miss Dainty, wins her love, and becomes her mate; protective and joyful.
- Mrs. Whitefoot
Formerly Miss Dainty; shy and timid, she agrees to marry Whitefoot and is attached to her old home.
- Shadow the Weasel
Passes near the couple, prompting Mrs. Whitefoot to agree to visit Whitefoot's home.
Key passages
“When all is said and all is done ’Tis only love of two makes one.”
In the end, it is love that unites two individuals into one.
Opening verse celebrating the power of love.
“Whitefoot pretended that he liked it very much, but in his heart he thought his own home was very much better, and he felt quite sure that Mrs. Whitefoot would agree with him once she had seen it.”
Whitefoot acted as if he admired her home, but secretly believed his own was superior and that she would prefer it after a visit.
Whitefoot's diplomatic but self-assured thoughts about their homes.
“Let's go over to your home right away. I've never seen Shadow about here before, but now that he has been here once, he may come again.”
She urged him to leave immediately for his home, frightened by the weasel's appearance and the possibility of his return.
Mrs. Whitefoot's fear of Shadow prompts her to agree to move.