The Wind in the Willows · Chapter
Like Summer Tempests Came His Tears explained
The animals plan to recapture Toad Hall from the weasels and stoats.
What happens
The animals plan to recapture Toad Hall from the weasels and stoats. Mole cleverly disguises himself as a washerwoman to gather intelligence, spreading false rumors about an impending attack that throws the enemy into confusion. Badger reveals a secret underground passage into Toad Hall, and the group devises a plan to surprise the weasels during their banquet. Toad, initially jealous of Mole's success, is scolded by Badger but eventually joins the scheme with enthusiasm.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
The animals work together to reclaim Toad Hall, showing loyalty to Toad despite his flaws and their collective effort to restore his home.
Pride and Humility
Toad's jealousy of Mole's cleverness contrasts with his own pride; Badger's scolding brings Toad to a moment of contrition and humility.
Home and Hearth
The central goal of the chapter is to recapture Toad Hall, symbolizing the importance of home and the animals' determination to restore it.
Characters to notice
- Mole
Disguises himself as a washerwoman to spy on the stoats at Toad Hall, cleverly spreading disinformation that causes panic among the enemy.
- Mr. Toad
Jealous of Mole's cleverness but later cheered by Badger's secret passage plan; shows contrition when scolded by Badger.
- Rat
Anxious about Mole's safety and tries to keep Toad calm; participates in the planning of the recapture.
- Badger
Reveals the secret underground passage to Toad Hall and takes charge of the plan; scolds Toad for his past behavior.
- Otter
Disguised himself as a sweep to gather information about the weasels' banquet.
Key passages
“I've been having such fun! I've been getting a rise out of the stoats!”
Mole excitedly announces that he has been teasing the stoats.
Mole's playful and clever nature is highlighted as he boasts about his successful trick.
“There—is—an—underground—passage that leads from the riverbank, quite near here, right up into the middle of Toad Hall.”
Badger reveals a secret tunnel that connects the riverbank to Toad Hall.
This revelation is the key to the animals' plan to recapture Toad Hall.
“You bad, troublesome little animal! Aren't you ashamed of yourself?”
Badger scolds Toad for his irresponsible behavior.
Badger's stern reprimand brings Toad to tears and a moment of remorse.