logo

56 pages 1 hour read

Kenneth Grahame

The Wind in the Willows

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1908

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Essay Topics

1.

How does Mole’s emergence from his underground world, and his happy discovery of the above-ground world, resemble the growth of a young child?

2.

Mole and Toad can be impulsive. Give an example for each, and explain how they respond differently to the outcomes.

3.

What is it about cars that so attracts Toad? Why do they persist in fascinating him, when so many other activities fail to do so?

4.

In Toad’s activities, what thrill does he seek that’s common to all of them? Defend your assertion with examples from the book.

5.

Quote a passage in the story that lyrically expresses the beauties of nature. Explain why you think it’s a strong example of good writing.

6.

Why does Pan make Rat and Mole forget they met him? Why do the two friends promptly try to recall the encounter? Who is wiser about this, the god or the animals, and why?

7.

Toad makes up songs about his experiences. Write one about Mole in Toad’s style, one that praises Mole’s best traits but also pokes gentle fun at his foibles.

8.

Who coaxes Rat to go to sea, and how does that stranger succeed in doing so? What must Rat give up to travel? How does Mole change Rat’s mind?

9.

What traits do Mole, Rat, and Badger possess that help them maintain their mutual friendships?

10.

During the raid to take back Toad Hall, what heroic thing does Toad do? What does he want to do at the victory banquet to exploit his heroism? What does he do instead, and how does this action reveal a change in Toad’s character?

blurred text
blurred text
blurred text
blurred text