Green Meadow Stories · Chapter
XX: A Twice Stolen Dinner explained
Old Man Coyote spies on Granny and Reddy Fox as they attempt to steal Bowser the Hound's dinner.
What happens
Old Man Coyote spies on Granny and Reddy Fox as they attempt to steal Bowser the Hound's dinner. After Granny successfully drags the dinner away, Old Man Coyote intercepts her and steals it for himself, leaving Granny furious and Reddy bewildered.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Trust
The chapter revolves around a series of deceptions: Granny and Reddy trick Bowser to steal his dinner, only to be tricked themselves by Old Man Coyote.
Wisdom and Heedlessness
Granny and Reddy are heedless of being watched, while Old Man Coyote's cunning wisdom allows him to outsmart them.
Characters to notice
- Old Granny Fox
Plans and executes the theft of Bowser's dinner, only to have it stolen from her by Old Man Coyote.
- Reddy Fox
Assists Granny by distracting Bowser the Hound, then arrives too late to share the stolen dinner.
- Old Man Coyote
Craftily follows Granny and Reddy, then steals the dinner from Granny at the last moment.
- Bowser the Hound
His dinner is stolen by the foxes, then stolen again by Old Man Coyote.
Key passages
“No one ever is so smart that someone else may not prove to be smarter still.”
No matter how clever you are, there is always someone cleverer.
Opening moral of the chapter, foreshadowing the foxes' comeuppance.
“Thank you, Granny. You needn't bother about it any longer; I'll take it now.”
Thanks for the meal, Granny—I'll handle it from here.
Old Man Coyote's triumphant words as he steals the dinner from Granny.