the winds in the willow

Reading Questions The Wind in the Willows

1. In Chapter Four, the history of animals is compared to the history of people. How?

2. Like almost all of the characters in the book, Rat is very concerned about his friends’ welfare. In other words, he’s a good friend. What are some ways in which he shows his friendship?

3. Chapter Five is called “Dulce Domum” which means “sweet home.” What are three or four ways that the book shows the importance of home?

4. In what ways is Toad like a naughty child?

5. The river itself plays a very important role. What does it do for the characters? How is it useful to them? How does it help them and comfort them?

6. How do you interpret the last couple of sentences of the book? What are the reasons for your interpretation?

7. The book is not all just fun. The characters sometimes get into serious trouble. What is this trouble and how are the problems resolved?

8. In Chapter One, what is Rat’s view of the Wide World, and why do you think it’s like that?

9. Describe the Badger’s manners.

10. Both Badger and Mole like underground life. What’s so good about it?

11. What does the title of Chapter 12 relate to?

12. What is the tone of Toad’s song in Chapter 10? (You’ll have to understand what’s meant by “tone” as described in our text.)