Chapter: 04. The River Bank
A. Complete the sentences or state True/False.
Mole had splashes of whitewash all over his black fur. The sound Mole made when his snout came out into the sunlight was " Pop! ". True or False: The Water Rat was surprised that Mole had never been in a boat before. True The Rat prepared a picnic with items like French rolls and cress sandwiches. B. Answer these questions briefly.
What was Mole doing all morning before he decided to take a break? Mole was working very hard all morning cleaning his little home. What kind of dwelling place did Mole imagine the dark hole in the bank opposite would make? Mole imagined it would make a nice and cosy dwelling place for an animal with few wants and fond of a riverside residence. How did the Water Rat cross the river to meet Mole? The Water Rat lightly stepped into a little boat, rowed smartly across, and made fast. According to the Rat, what kinds of animals live in the Wild Wood? According to the Rat, weasels, stoats, and foxes live in the Wild Wood. Where was Kenneth Grahame born? Kenneth Grahame was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. C. Think and answer in detail.
Describe Mole’s emotional journey from the beginning of the chapter (in his home) to when he first encounters the river. Mole begins the chapter feeling tired and perhaps a bit frustrated from his hard cleaning work, with dust and whitewash covering him. This feeling quickly shifts to an impulsive burst of longing for freedom and the outdoors, driven by the essence of spring. Upon reaching the surface, he feels pure happiness rolling in the warm grass. This happiness then transforms into utter delight and fascination when he sees the magnificent river for the very first time, showing his wonder and excitement for the unknown. The Rat proclaims that “there is NOTHING—absolute nothing—half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” What does this statement reveal about the Water Rat’s character and his priorities in life? This statement reveals that the Water Rat is deeply content with his simple river life and finds immense joy and fulfillment in it. He prioritizes leisure, companionship, and a close connection with nature over ambition or exploring the wider world. It shows him to be a creature who has found his ideal existence and is passionate about sharing its simple pleasures, emphasizing his love for the familiar and peaceful rhythm of the river. Why do you think the author chose to make the characters animals instead of humans in this story? What does this add to the narrative? The author likely chose animals to create a whimsical and charming atmosphere, which is appealing to children and allows for a sense of innocence and timelessness. Using animals, or anthropomorphism, enables the exploration of human traits and themes (like friendship, curiosity, and caution) in a gentle, non-threatening way. It also allows the setting of the riverbank and surrounding nature to feel more alive and integral to the characters’ lives, providing a vivid backdrop for their adventures without the complexities of human society. 
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