# I: Peter Rabbit Loses His Appetite explained — Green Meadow Stories

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

## What happens

Peter Rabbit loses his appetite due to loneliness and fear of Old Man Coyote, despite having plenty of food and safety in the Old Briar-patch. He tries to occupy himself by cutting new paths, but his appetite returns only temporarily. Eventually, he realizes that his unhappiness stems from being alone and thinking only of himself, and he resolves to find a way to remedy his loneliness.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wisdom and Heedlessness

Peter Rabbit's heedlessness of his own blessings leads to unhappiness, while Danny Meadow Mouse's wisdom in facing danger with cheerfulness is highlighted.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Peter's loneliness and his longing for companionship with Johnny Chuck underscore the importance of friendship for happiness.

## Character check-ins

### Peter Rabbit

Peter loses his appetite and becomes unhappy due to loneliness and fear of Old Man Coyote, despite having ample food and safety in the Old Briar-patch.

### Old Man Coyote

Old Man Coyote's presence on the Green Meadows causes Peter to be afraid to venture far from the Old Briar-patch.

### Danny Meadow Mouse

Danny is mentioned as a contrast to Peter: despite constant danger from predators, Danny remains happy and never loses his appetite.

### Johnny Chuck

Peter thinks of Johnny Chuck and the good times they used to have, and how happy Johnny is with his family in the Old Orchard.

## Key lines

> Good appetite, you’ll always find, Depends upon your state of mind.

Your appetite is closely tied to your emotional state.

_Opening couplet that sets the theme of the chapter._

> The more they have and the less they have to worry about, the more discontented they become, and at last they are positively unhappy.

Having too much ease can lead to discontent and unhappiness.

_Observation about human nature applied to Peter's situation._

> It isn’t good to be alone, I’ve often heard my mother say. It makes one selfish, grouchy, cross, And quite unhappy all the day.

Being alone can make a person selfish and unhappy.

_Peter's realization about the cause of his unhappiness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/i-peter-rabbit-loses-his-appetite
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters