The Wind in the Willows

Growing up I was a huge fan of the animated movie, The Wind in the Willows. I loved watching the simple lives of Mole, Ratty, and Badger collide with the wild, adventurous Mr. Toad. I remember going to Disney World and riding Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride for the first time. In fact, I still love this ride as an adult and make it a point to give Mr. Toad a kiss on my way in.

Having seen the animated movie several times and enjoyed the Disney ride, I figured it was high time I got to reading the book. Knowing that I was already reading a couple other books I decided to use the time I have in the car going back and forth from work everyday to listen to this classic tale on CD.

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame is a classic, extremely well written book. There are so many wonderful things I could say about it from the intricate description of the setting, to the depth of each character, to the wide range of lessons learned and themes running throughout the story. However, there is one theme I picked up on as I was listening to the book on CD that is still echoing in my mind. That is the theme of true friendship.

Throughout the story Mr. Toad has an extreme need for speed and high adventure. He is always finding himself completely unsatisfied with what he has and seeks out the bigger and better things of life. (i.e. His love for a horse drawn carriage is hastily overshadowed when he sees a motor car for the first time.) Coupled with a love for adventure and life’s finer things, Toad also loves himself. Conceit runs deeply through his veins.

On the opposite side of the spectrum are the animals in the story, Mole, Ratty, and Badger who lead simple lives in the Wild Wood or along the banks of the river. Being sensible animals they are quite aware of their friend Toad’s folly and set out to warn him that he is on the path to self-destruction. Toad does not listen to them and winds up in a series of predicaments that lead to him losing his money and his home.

Although a very ungrateful Toad continuously disappoints Mole, Ratty, and Badger, they come alongside him and help him maneuver his way out of his terrible situations over and over. They set out, without anything to gain, to help Toad get his old life back. This however is only half of the picture of true friendship. Mole, Ratty, and Badger not only continue to help their friend despite his recklessness and ungratefulness, they challenge him to become a better Toad. They tell him the truth about his arrogance and make some tough decisions for him that, perhaps, will have a lasting effect on Toad’s character. This constant forgiveness and honesty make Mole, Ratty, and Badger a true picture of friendship.

Now it is your turn to read the Wind in the Willows and enter the world Kenneth Grahame has so beautifully created. I can’t wait to hear what you think about it!

If you have already read The Wind in the Willows, what do you think about it?

Click here to buy the book The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame.
Click here to get The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame on audio CD.