All chapters

Green Meadow Stories · Chapter

XXXVII: Farmer Brown’s Boy Has a Glad Surprise explained

Farmer Brown's boy, while on an errand far from home, hears the distant baying of a hound and recognizes it as his beloved Bowser.

What happens

Farmer Brown's boy, while on an errand far from home, hears the distant baying of a hound and recognizes it as his beloved Bowser. He races across snowy fields, hides by an old road, and watches Reddy Fox pass by, followed by Bowser. Overjoyed, he leaps out to greet his lost dog.

Themes in this chapter

  • Love and Relationships

    The deep bond between Farmer Brown's boy and Bowser is highlighted; the boy's joy at recognizing Bowser's voice shows his love and devotion.

Characters to notice

  • Bowser the Hound

    Heard baying in the distance, recognized by Farmer Brown's boy, and seen chasing Reddy Fox.

  • Reddy Fox

    Running ahead of Bowser, passes Farmer Brown's boy without suspicion.

  • Farmer Brown

    Farmer Brown's boy is the central human character, who recognizes Bowser's voice and pursues him.

Key passages

  • The sweetest sound in the world is the voice of one you love.

    Nothing is more delightful than hearing the voice of someone dear to you.

    Sets the emotional tone for the chapter, emphasizing the bond between Farmer Brown's boy and Bowser.

  • That’s Bowser! As sure as I live that’s good old Bowser! I would know that voice among a million!

    Farmer Brown's boy is certain the distant barking belongs to his dog Bowser, whose voice he could recognize anywhere.

    Shows the boy's instant recognition and excitement upon hearing Bowser.