The Wind in the Willows, Chapter 12 summary
Chapter 12 of 12 · 19 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 12, Badger, Mole, Rat, and Toad enter Toad Hall through a secret passage and drive out its occupiers, restoring Toad to his home. When his friends forbid boastful entertainment at the celebration, Toad sings privately but behaves modestly before his guests, and he makes gifts and payments to people who help him.
What happens
- Rat equips the friends, and Badger leads them through a secret passage despite Toad’s noisy accidents.
- They surprise the feasting invaders, clear the hall, and capture prisoners while the outside sentries scatter.
- Mole supervises the prisoners’ cleaning, releases them without further punishment, and receives Toad’s thanks.
- Toad prepares self-promoting invitations, but Rat intercepts them, Mole replaces them, and Badger and Rat forbid speeches and songs.
- Toad sings to an imaginary audience alone, then hosts the banquet modestly and credits his friends.
- Peace resumes, Toad sends gifts and compensation, and the woodland inhabitants treat the four friends with respect.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Toad publicly gives his friends the credit instead of glorifying himself. His response demonstrates the restraint they demand, although their surprise also gives him pleasure.
Quick check
What does Mole do with the captured weasels after they clean the bedrooms?
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