Book Review of Kenneth Grahame's "The Wind in The Willows"

Introduction

Kenneth Grahame's 'The Wind in the Willows' is a novel aimed at youngsters. The plot, itself, is not American humor, but that of Great Britain. In terms of sarcasm, and British-related jokes. The novel illustrates a fair mix of the relationships between the human-like animals, and wildlife. The narrative acts as an important milestone in post-Victorian children's literature. The characters featured in this book are Mole, Rat, Toad, Badger, & Otter. Toad showing big-headed & childlike traits. Mole shows traits of reasoning and sensible behavior patterns. Badger shows traits of kindness and hospitality. Otter possesses traits of intelligence. All these characters participate equally in the narrative of both thrilling and neo-noir.

Body

"When are you going to be sensible, and think of your friends, and try and be a credit to them?" One of the problems with Toad is that he enjoys crashing motor vehicles. As a result, Rat tries to talk some sense into him. Though, this doesn't work. Toad is illustrated as a child stuck in an adult's body. Furthermore, Rat always reinforces the act of growing up onto Toad, and not to be careless for others.

As a result of Toad's motorcar crimes, he is sent to the deepest, darkest dungeon to pay for his crimes. "Toad Hall ... is an eligible self-contained gentleman's residence ... replete with every modern convenience." Toad, being the character showing the most affluence owns his own manor house. Having regained his big-headedness. During his sentence, he started to boast about this mansion and great wealth. While being chained to a black weight. Furthermore, surviving on a diet of bubble and squeak.

"Now then, follow me! Mole first, 'cos I'm very pleased with him; Rat next; Toad last." Badger starts an invasion at Toad Hall. With this in mind, Mole begins to show traits of maturity. As a result of this invasion, Toad's behavior illustrates the opposite of Mole. His ordeal is going back to the dungeon, like a child being anxious about going to their bedroom for misbehaving.

"For it has roused a longing in me that is a pain." While in search of a missing infant otter, Rat becomes faced with noise coming from a piper. The quote focuses on the main idea of the author's intention in writing the novel. The focuses being: The reasons which cause life to be worthwhile. The sounds travel through Rat like shades. With this in mind, the focus is intended to be answered between the lines.

Conclusion

Star Rating: 5 The characters having a variety of different personalities and views of the world. Their human-like features are included with their animal-like traits. In terms of Mole has a good sense of smell. The book is aimed at showing animals living British life, in the summer-time. The animals have a justice system, hence Toad was sent to pay for his motor-car crimes. The mansion was invaded by the other animals while Toad was imprisoned and during his escape. Toad's behavior is terrible and affects the rest of the animals.

The story plays an important part in historical children's literature. In modern-day, it is still read by children. The story features human-like animals who all have their own ordeals. Mole and Rat being the kindest animals featured in the story, as Toad being the most immature and
self-observed. Making this story amusing and eye-opening to a young audience. With British humor and an excellent narrative, it is definitely worth a read, even to a grown-up audience.

Works Cited

1. Kenneth Grahame, "The Wind in the Willows," June 15, 1908.