Green Meadow Stories · Chapter
Mrs. Peter Rabbit explained
Peter Rabbit, having fallen in love with the shy little Miss Fuzzytail, becomes self-conscious about his ragged appearance and tries to clean himself up.
What happens
Peter Rabbit, having fallen in love with the shy little Miss Fuzzytail, becomes self-conscious about his ragged appearance and tries to clean himself up. After meeting her and winning her affection, he brings her to the Old Briar-patch as his wife. Later, little Mrs. Peter warns him of Old Man Coyote's deceit, and Mistah Mocker plays a teasing joke on her.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Relationships
Peter Rabbit falls in love with Miss Fuzzytail, leading him to change his appearance and eventually marry her.
Deception and Trust
Old Man Coyote pretends friendship but tries to catch Peter; Mrs. Peter explains the need for ongoing good deeds to maintain trust.
Wisdom and Heedlessness
Peter is heedless of danger, but Mrs. Peter's wisdom helps him understand Old Man Coyote's true nature.
Characters to notice
- Peter Rabbit
Falls in love with Miss Fuzzytail, cleans himself up, and brings her to the Old Briar-patch as his wife.
- Little Miss Fuzzytail
The shy rabbit with soft, gentle eyes who becomes Peter's wife.
- Old Man Coyote
Pretends to be Peter's friend but later tries to catch him; Mrs. Peter warns Peter about him.
- Mistah Mockingbird
Plays a joke on Mrs. Peter by imitating voices to tease her.
- Old Jed Thumper
The big gray rabbit who tormented Peter and tore his coat.
- Mrs. Peter Rabbit
Peter's new wife; she scolds him for heedlessness and advises him on dealing with Old Man Coyote.
Key passages
“Though I am homely, lank and lean, I can at least be neat and clean”
Even if I'm not handsome, I can still keep myself tidy.
Peter resolves to improve his appearance despite his natural looks.
“I tell you what, Peter, the thing for you to do is to keep doing good turns to Old Man Coyote so that he will always be in debt to you. Then he will always be your friend.”
You should keep doing favors for Old Man Coyote so he feels obligated to be your friend.
Mrs. Peter advises Peter on how to secure Old Man Coyote's friendship through ongoing kindness.