# XXIII: Farmer Brown’s Boy Forgets to Close the Gate explained — Green Meadow Stories

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

## What happens

Farmer Brown's Boy, usually careful, forgets to close the henyard gate after being distracted by Bowser the Hound's barking. Old Granny Fox, having planned this distraction, confirms to Reddy Fox that the gate is open, setting the stage for a potential raid on the henhouse.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Trust

Granny Fox uses deception by letting Bowser see her, exploiting Farmer Brown's Boy's trust in his routine to create an opportunity.

### Thrift and Preparation

Farmer Brown's Boy's usual carefulness in securing the henhouse contrasts with his forgetfulness, highlighting the importance of consistent preparation.

## Character check-ins

### Old Granny Fox

Granny Fox deliberately distracts Farmer Brown's Boy by letting Bowser see her, causing him to forget to close the henyard gate.

### Reddy Fox

Reddy Fox waits eagerly at home for Granny's report and learns that the gate is open.

### Farmer Brown

Farmer Brown's Boy is usually careful but forgets to close the gate when distracted by Bowser's barking.

### Bowser the Hound

Bowser barks and tugs at his chain after glimpsing Granny Fox, distracting his master.

## Key lines

> How easy ’tis to just forget Until, alas, it is too late.

It is very easy to forget something until the consequences become unavoidable.

_The opening verse sets the theme of forgetfulness leading to potential trouble._

> He was in too much of a hurry to close that gate, and afterwards he forgot all about it or else he thought it didn’t matter.

Because he was rushing, he didn't shut the gate, and later either forgot or assumed it was unimportant.

_Explains how Farmer Brown's Boy's haste led to the oversight._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxiii-farmer-brown-s-boy-forgets-to-close-the-gate
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters