# Little Boy Blue explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by George MacDonald.

## What happens

Little Boy Blue, lost in a wood, initially revels in his imagined kingship over nature, commanding creatures, clouds, and sunset to obey him. When the assembled forces refuse to leave, he grows frightened and demands they take him back to his mother. After striking a defiant snake, the creatures cheer and escort him home, and Birdie Brown sings of finding earnestness in fun.

## Themes in this chapter

### Childhood and Innocence

Little Boy Blue's playful command over nature and his eventual return to his mother highlight the innocence and dependency of childhood.

## Character check-ins

### Little Boy Blue

The protagonist who commands nature but becomes overwhelmed by his own power, ultimately seeking his mother.

### Birdie Brown

A bird who sings and guides the creatures, challenging Little Boy Blue to give purpose to his commands.

### The Wind

Responds to Little Boy Blue's summons and later returns to its own path.

### Cloud

Descends at Little Boy Blue's command, darkening the sky.

## Key lines

> Little Boy Blue lost his way in a wood— Sing apples and cherries, roses and honey: He said, 'I would not go back if I could, It’s all so jolly and funny!'

Little Boy Blue gets lost in a forest but enjoys the adventure, refusing to return.

_Establishes the boy's initial delight in his newfound freedom._

> Little Boy Blue sat down on a stone, And the creatures came round him every one.

Little Boy Blue rests on a stone as all the animals gather around him.

_Illustrates his perceived authority over the natural world._

> Off with you all: take me back to my mother!

Go away, all of you: bring me back to my mother!

_Shows his fear and desire to return to safety._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters/little-boy-blue
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_8_se/chapters