The Wind In The Willows Analysis

Animals have held an important place in written literature for thousands of years. And prior to written languages, ancient peoples told animal stories by drawing symbolic visual narratives on the walls of their cave homes. These early examples of animals in literary history generally were imbued with strong religious and allegorical significance. Composed around the sixth century B.C. By time, Talking animals generally fall into the category of "animal fantasy," referring to a genre where animals are given human characteristics. Animals can be fully anthropomorphic or simply have the ability to talk or reason like a human. Animals can inhabit their own humanness worlds, or they can exist with humans, occasionally even speaking to them directly …show more content…
The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame was first published in 1908. The children's story uses the adventures of four animal friends to teach young readers larger lessons about morality. Like most children’s literature, The Wind in the Willows has a didactic purpose. In many ways, it works to impart an appreciation for life and manners. Throughout the novel, characters are praised for their hospitality (as in the case of Rat or Badger), and criticized for their lack of it (as in the case of Toad). Additionally, Grahame wanted children to understand how to act towards others in certain situations. Sometimes Grahame speaks directly to the reader to comment on the importance of etiquette, whether table manners or honesty. Both through its plot and its writing style, The Wind in the Willows works hard to impart an appreciation for the manners deemed proper in early 20th century Britain (Larman, …show more content…
B. White’s Charlotte’s Web is a widely read children’s story first published in 1952. It tells the story of a friendship between a farmyard pig named Wilbur and a grey spider named Charlotte. Wilbur is a spring pig, and he is distressed to learn that he is being fattened for slaughter in the fall. Charlotte resolves to save Wilbur. Through the friendship between Charlotte and Wilbur, White explores themes of death, loyalty, and friendship. Charlotte is a true friend to Wilbur and works very hard to save his life. She creates new words every day in her web that describe Wilbur and talks to him when he is sad. She doesn't ask for Wilbur to give her anything in return for her kindness. Charlotte is kind simply because she is Wilbur's friend. After Charlotte dies in the book, Wilbur takes care of her babies. Charlotte can no longer help Wilbur, but he still wants to help her because of his loyalty to his friend. This book is especially important for young children who often have a difficult time understanding what makes a person a good friend. The friendship between Charlotte and Wilbur illustrates a positive, powerful, loving and true friendship for children (white,