# XXVII: Mistah Mocker Plays a Joke on Mrs. Peter explained — Green Meadow Stories

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters