Green Meadow Stories · Chapter
XXXIII: Reddy Watches the Fat Hens explained
Reddy Fox, guided by Blacky the Crow, approaches a farmyard where a rooster and a flock of fat hens are unguarded.
What happens
Reddy Fox, guided by Blacky the Crow, approaches a farmyard where a rooster and a flock of fat hens are unguarded. Despite his hunger and temptation, Reddy exercises patience and cunning, lying in wait to catch a hen without alarming the others or drawing attention from the farmhouse.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Trust
Reddy uses stealth and patience to deceive the hens, while Blacky the Crow's guidance is met with ingratitude.
Wisdom and Heedlessness
Reddy shows wisdom by waiting and planning rather than acting impulsively, contrasting with his earlier heedlessness.
Characters to notice
- Reddy Fox
Reddy is the central character, cunning and patient as he stalks the fat hens, resisting the urge to rush in.
- Blacky the Crow
Blacky the Crow guides Reddy to the farmyard and observes his actions, though Reddy does not acknowledge him.
- Bowser the Hound
Bowser is mentioned in the opening line as a reference point for Reddy's changed behavior.
Key passages
“Sooner or later the crookedest trail will straighten.”
Even the most complicated path eventually becomes clear.
This proverb introduces the chapter, hinting at Reddy's eventual success after his earlier troubles.
“He did not even glance up at Blacky. He did not even say thank you to Blacky for having shown him the way.”
Reddy ignored Blacky the Crow entirely, showing no gratitude for the help he received.
Highlights Reddy's single-minded focus and lack of appreciation.
“If he were too bold and frightened those hens while catching one, they would make such a racket that they would be sure to bring someone from the farmhouse.”
If Reddy acted recklessly and scared the hens, their noise would alert the people in the farmhouse.
Explains Reddy's strategic thinking and the risk of alarming the farm.