# XXXIII: Reddy Watches the Fat Hens explained — Green Meadow Stories

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

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters/xxxiii-reddy-watches-the-fat-hens
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/green_meadow_stories_se/chapters