# XV: Reddy's Forlorn Chance explained — Green Meadow Stories

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

## What happens

Reddy Fox, trapped in Farmer Brown's henyard, initially believes his situation is hopeless. However, after reflecting that things could be worse—such as being caught in a trap—he gains a small measure of hope. He then manages to force open a sliding door to the henhouse, where he might hide from Farmer Brown's boy in the morning.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wisdom and Heedlessness

Reddy's initial despair gives way to thoughtful reflection, showing how thinking can change one's perspective and lead to a wiser course of action.

## Character check-ins

### Reddy Fox

Reddy is the central character, trapped in the henyard and later manages to enter the henhouse.

### Bowser the Hound

Bowser is mentioned in the opening saying but does not appear in the chapter.

### Farmer Brown

Farmer Brown's boy is the anticipated threat who will discover Reddy in the morning.

## Key lines

> This saying is both true and terse: There’s nothing bad but might be worse.

No matter how bad a situation seems, it could always be worse.

_This proverb sets the tone for Reddy's shift in perspective._

> Now it is surprising how thinking will change matters.

Thinking can surprisingly alter how we view our circumstances.

_Highlights the theme of wisdom and reflection._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xv-reddy-s-forlorn-chance
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters