How to Tell the Birds from the Flowers and Other Woodcuts · Chapter
The Pea; The Pewee explained
The chapter humorously explores the difficulty of distinguishing between a Pea and a Pewee, highlighting the confusion that arises from their similar names and appearances.
What happens
The chapter humorously explores the difficulty of distinguishing between a Pea and a Pewee, highlighting the confusion that arises from their similar names and appearances.
Themes in this chapter
Wordplay and Homophones
The chapter relies on the phonetic similarity between 'Pea' and 'Pewee' to create confusion and humor.
Humor and Absurdity
The absurd premise of confusing a pea with a bird and the playful rhyme structure contribute to the chapter's humor.
Characters to notice
- the Birds
The Pewee is a bird, and the chapter focuses on its comparison with the Pea.
Key passages
“To tell the Pewee from the Pea, Requires great per‑spi‑ca‑city.”
Distinguishing a Pewee from a Pea demands sharp perception.
The opening lines set up the challenge of differentiation.
“The Pea he hears the Pewee peep, While Pewee sees the wee Pea weep”
The Pea hears the Pewee's call, while the Pewee observes the tiny Pea crying.
Illustrates the interaction and mutual observation between the two.