posted on 30 Aug 2015

Why I would cherish a meeting with Mr Badger 

There is something about Mr Badger in The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame that for me elevates him above all the other characters in this well- loved piece of classic children's literature. Despite his possible aristocratic origins and probably conservative views about which many critics have speculated, I think I would quite like Badger to be one of my friends, although I suspect his solitary nature and reputation for giving sound advice  to all and sundry may prevent us from meeting up very often. I would need to be careful to not bother him too often for his wise words, and if I did  I would need to follow them because I suspect that he would be fairly intolerant if I chose to ignore him. It would be wonderful to meet him on his home territory - who would not want to spend a convivial evening in the cosy firelight sheltering from the harsh weather, either in reality or metaphorically?

 

‘ on the wide hearth burnt a fire of logs, between two attractive chimney corners tucked away in the wall, well out of any suspicion of draught, A couple of high- backed settles, facing each other on either side of the fire, gave further sitting accommodation for the socially disposed….The ruddy brick floor smiled up at the smoky ceiling; the oaken settles shiny with long wear, exchanged cheerful glances with each other; plates on the dresser grinned at pots on the shelf, and the merry firelight flickered and played over everything without distinction’   ( pps.69-70).

 

I do hope that he would be wearing his splendid dressing gown. Ernest Shepherd and subsequent illustrators have recognised how important this item of clothing is and it is usually presented as a luxurious, richly patterned garment that reeks of good taste and high quality tailoring. His demeanour is solemn but kind in the story as he welcomes his tired, cold and flustered little visitors, Mole and Ratty. Despite the unexpected intrusion into the privacy of his home, he is a polite, kind and considerate host who provides excellent hospitality, warmth and food that is nourishing, tasty and aesthetically well presented.

 

 

He has variously been described as being godlike in the hierarchy of the chaotic riverbank world and as like a benevolent squire who tries hard to arbitrate and offer just solutions. Despite this tendency towards an upper class privileged lifestyle, Simon Hoggart felt that he strongly disapproved of Mr Toad’s antics and wrote that ‘he is one of literature’s great spoil sports. He would have strongly disapproved of the Bullingdon Club.’ He is certainly an effective and well respected local politician who offers practical advice about the wayward behaviour of the flamboyant and irresponsible Mr Toad and also the on-going social problems associated with the nasty weasels in the Wild Wood. Neither is he afraid to get embroiled in hand to hand combat – so he is utterly reliable in fighting for the causes he believes in. I would need him to be on my side in any disputes with individuals or systems. I suspect he is also well connected and financially comfortable which would be very useful.

 Many may disagree with my unreserved admiration for this wonderful character, but I am in good company. After all, C.S. Lewis was equally entranced:

‘Consider Mr Badger… that extraordinary amalgam of high rank, coarse manners, gruffness, shyness and goodness. The child who has once met Mr Badger has ever afterwards, in its bones, a knowledge of humanity and of English social history which it could not get in any other way’.

 

 

Karen Argent

August 2015