Short Fiction · Chapter
The Tale of Mr. Tod explained
This chapter introduces two disagreeable characters, Tommy Brock the badger and Mr.
What happens
This chapter introduces two disagreeable characters, Tommy Brock the badger and Mr. Tod the fox, who frequently invade each other's homes. Tommy Brock kidnaps the baby rabbits of Flopsy and Benjamin Bunny while old Mr. Bouncer is supposed to be watching them. Benjamin and Peter Rabbit track Tommy Brock to Mr. Tod's house, where they discover the babies are trapped in the oven. They attempt a rescue by digging a tunnel under the kitchen floor, while Mr. Tod returns and confronts the sleeping Tommy Brock.
Themes in this chapter
Hospitality and Deception
Old Mr. Bouncer invites Tommy Brock inside for seed-cake and wine, leading to the kidnapping of the baby rabbits.
Poverty and Survival
Tommy Brock complains about scarce food, living on pignuts, and the rabbits dig desperately to rescue their young.
Nature and Danger
The wild setting of Bull Banks, the owl hooting, and the presence of predators like Mr. Tod and Tommy Brock create a constant threat.
Characters to notice
- Tommy Brock
A bristly, fat badger with dirty habits who kidnaps the baby rabbits and sleeps in Mr. Tod's bed.
- Mr. Tod
A wandering fox with multiple houses, who returns to find Tommy Brock in his bed and plots revenge.
- Benjamin Bunny
Father of the kidnapped babies, who tracks Tommy Brock and digs a tunnel to rescue them.
- Peter Rabbit
Benjamin's companion who helps dig the tunnel and keeps watch during the rescue attempt.
- Old Mr. Bouncer
The elderly rabbit left in charge of the babies, who unwittingly lets Tommy Brock into the burrow.
- Flopsy
Mother of the baby rabbits, who returns to find them missing and scolds old Mr. Bouncer.
Key passages
“I have made many books about well-behaved people. Now, for a change, I am going to make a story about two disagreeable people, called Tommy Brock and Mr. Tod.”
The author usually writes about polite characters, but this tale focuses on two unpleasant ones: Tommy Brock and Mr. Tod.
This opening sets the tone for a story about mischief and conflict.
“Mr. Tod's proceedings were peculiar, and rather uneasy”
Mr. Tod's actions were strange and made others uncomfortable.
Highlights Mr. Tod's cunning and unpredictable nature.
“The young family were alive; shut up in the oven!”
The baby rabbits were found alive but trapped inside the brick oven.
A moment of relief and tension as the rescue plan begins.