# XXVII: Happy Jack Is Afraid to Go Home explained — Green Meadow Stories

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

## What happens

Happy Jack Squirrel is terrified to return to his home because he fears Shadow the Weasel is lying in wait. He spends the day in a maple tree near Farmer Brown's house, unable to find safety. Farmer Brown's boy recognizes his fear and decides to build him a new home.

## Themes in this chapter

### Courage and Fear

Happy Jack's fear of returning home illustrates the theme of fear and the need for courage in the face of danger.

### Kindness and Gratitude

Farmer Brown's boy shows kindness by recognizing Happy Jack's plight and offering to build a new home.

## Character check-ins

### Happy Jack Squirrel

Afraid to go home due to Shadow the Weasel; spends the day in a maple tree near Farmer Brown's house.

### Shadow the Weasel

Persistent threat; Happy Jack fears he is hiding along the way to his home.

### Farmer Brown

Mrs. Brown mistakes Happy Jack's fear for scolding; Farmer Brown's boy recognizes the problem and plans to build a new house.

### Mrs. Brown

Misunderstands Happy Jack's behavior, thinking he is scolding.

## Key lines

> Safety first is the best rule to insure a long life.

Prioritizing safety is the most important guideline for living a long life.

_Opening moral lesson of the chapter._

> Oh dear, oh dear! What shall I do? I have no home, and so To keep me warm and snug and safe I have no place to go!

Happy Jack laments his homelessness and lack of safety.

_Happy Jack's rhyming expression of despair._

> I wonder what ails that Squirrel. He seems to be doing a lot of scolding.

Mrs. Brown wonders what is wrong with the squirrel, thinking he is scolding.

_Illustrates misunderstanding of Happy Jack's true feelings._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxvii-happy-jack-is-afraid-to-go-home
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters