XV: The Little Foxes explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Morality and Ethics

  The story emphasizes obedience, the consequences of disobedience, and the triumph of good over evil, with clear moral lessons for the Foxes and the Lamb.

• Innocence and Childhood Wisdom

  Bruno's innocent and enthusiastic participation in the story, along with the childlike moral simplicity of the tale, highlights the wisdom and purity of childhood.

Characters to notice

• Sylvie

  Tells the story of the little Foxes, the Lamb, and the Lion, with dramatic flair and moral instruction.

• Bruno

  Interjects excitedly during Sylvie's story, offering commentary and corrections, and is deeply engaged in the narrative.

• Narrator

  Observes and participates as the audience for Sylvie's story, making a brief speech of thanks at the end.

• The Lion

  Appears in Sylvie's story as a heroic figure who rescues the Lamb and instructs Bruno to teach the Foxes.

• The Lamb

  A naive character in the story who is nearly eaten by the Fox but is saved by the Lion.

• The Little Foxes

  The disobedient Foxes in Sylvie's story who eat the Apples and Bread, and eventually one another, before being reformed.

Key passages

• “And ever after that, they were such good little Foxes! They did their lessons as good as gold—and they never did what Bruno told them not to—and they never ate each other any more—and they never ate themselves!”

  From then on, the Foxes were perfectly well-behaved, always following instructions and never harming each other or themselves.

  Sylvie concludes her moral tale with a happy ending, emphasizing the Foxes' complete reformation.

• “And the Lion said 'I'll come as quick as ever I can!' And they trotted down the hill.”

  The Lion promised to hurry, and they ran down the hill together.

  Bruno and the Lion rush to save the Lamb from the Fox.