Green Meadow Stories · Chapter
XXVII: Mistah Mocker Plays a Joke on Mrs. Peter explained
Mistah Mocker the Mockingbird, newly arrived from the South, plays a trick on little Mrs.
What happens
Mistah Mocker the Mockingbird, newly arrived from the South, plays a trick on little Mrs. Peter Rabbit by imitating the voices of her old friends from the Old Pasture, making her believe they have come to visit. When she discovers the deception, she feels disappointed, but Mistah Mocker apologizes and promises to sing for her at shadow-time, and she forgives him.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Trust
Mistah Mocker's joke deceives Mrs. Peter, but his apology and her forgiveness restore trust.
Kindness and Gratitude
Mrs. Peter forgives Mistah Mocker and asks only for his songs, showing kindness and gratitude for his promise.
Characters to notice
- Mistah Mockingbird
Plays a joke on Mrs. Peter by imitating the voices of her friends, then apologizes and promises to sing for her.
- Mrs. Peter Rabbit
Feels homesick and is tricked by Mistah Mocker's imitations, but forgives him when he promises to sing.
- Peter Rabbit
Mentioned as having brought Mrs. Peter to the Old Briar-patch and being away at the sweet-clover patch during the incident.
- Billy Possum
Mentioned as a particular friend of Mistah Mocker who influenced his decision to visit the Green Meadows.
- Mistah Buzzard
Mentioned as a particular friend of Mistah Mocker who winked at him and teased him about behaving properly.
Key passages
“This little point remember, please— There’s little gained by those who tease.”
Keep in mind that teasing often brings no benefit.
Opening couplet that sets a moral tone about the futility of teasing.
“I did it just for a joke and not to make you feel bad. Will you forgive me?”
I meant it only as a joke, not to hurt you. Can you forgive me?
Mistah Mocker's apology to Mrs. Peter after she discovers his trick.