Household Tales · Chapter
Second Story explained
After old Mr.
What happens
After old Mr. Fox dies, a series of suitors come to court Mrs. Fox, but she rejects them all because they lack the red stockings and pointed mouth of her late husband. Eventually a young fox with the right features appears, and Mrs. Fox accepts him, ordering a wedding feast.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Marriage
Mrs. Fox's insistence on specific physical traits (red stockings, pointed mouth) mirrors the social expectations and class-based criteria in marriage arrangements.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Fox
The widow who mourns her late husband and seeks a new husband with specific features.
- Mrs. Cat of Kehrewit
The servant who opens the door for suitors and relays Mrs. Fox's requirements.
- old Mr. Fox
The deceased husband whose qualities are used as a standard for new suitors.
Key passages
“When old Mr. Fox was dead, the wolf came as a wooer, and knocked at the door, and the cat who was servant to Mrs. Fox, opened it for him.”
After old Mr. Fox died, the wolf arrived as a suitor and knocked; the cat, Mrs. Fox's servant, answered the door.
Introduces the sequence of suitors following Mr. Fox's death.
“Mrs. Fox asked, 'Has the gentleman red stockings on, and has he a pointed mouth?' 'No,' answered the cat. 'Then he won't do for me.'”
Mrs. Fox inquired if the suitor had red stockings and a pointed mouth; the cat said no, so she rejected him.
Highlights the specific criteria Mrs. Fox uses to evaluate suitors.
“Then the wedding was solemnized with young Mr. Fox, and there was much rejoicing and dancing; and if they have not left off, they are dancing still.”
The wedding with young Mr. Fox was celebrated with great joy and dancing, and they may still be dancing if they haven't stopped.
Concludes the story with a traditional fairy-tale ending suggesting ongoing celebration.