# The New Home in the Old Pasture explained — Green Meadow Stories

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

## What happens

Reddy Fox and Old Granny Fox move to a new home in the Old Pasture after Reddy's foolish attempt to show off led to the loss of their old home. Reddy dislikes the rocky, thorny, and lonesome environment, but Granny insists it is the only safe place, as Farmer Brown's boy cannot find or dig into it. Prickly Porky the Porcupine keeps Reddy confined earlier, and Granny Fox hopes the isolation will teach Reddy a lesson.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wisdom and Heedlessness

Old Granny Fox's wisdom contrasts with Reddy's heedlessness; she chooses a safe but uncomfortable home to protect them, while Reddy's foolish showing off caused their predicament.

## Character check-ins

### Reddy Fox

Dislikes the new home in the Old Pasture, feeling lonesome and missing the Green Meadows; reflects on his foolishness that caused the move.

### Old Granny Fox

Wise and firm, she chooses the rocky, hidden home for safety and scolds Reddy for his earlier behavior, hoping he will learn caution.

### Prickly Porky the Porcupine

Keeps Reddy confined earlier and recites a verse about politeness, then leaves before Granny returns.

## Key lines

> It's your own fault that we've got to live here now. It's the only place where we are safe.

Granny Fox tells Reddy that their move is his fault and that the new home is their only safe refuge.

_Granny Fox scolds Reddy for his foolishness and explains the necessity of their new home._

> Rudeness never, never pays, Nor is there gain in saucy ways. It's always best to be polite And ne'er give way to ugly spite.

Prickly Porky recites a verse advising that rudeness is unprofitable and politeness is always best.

_Prickly Porky's moral lesson to Reddy after overhearing his outburst._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxix-the-new-home-in-the-old-pasture
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters