6: Chapter 8. The Crossing

The site visit film that covers the locations featured in this chapter is here:
• Site Visit 1. Sandlefo...
6.1 Chapter 8: The Crossing A shorter episode this time. Possibly pushed my luck with 3 chapters at one go. There is a possibility of an episode in the near future in which I discuss the two most recent audiobooks of WD with another fan of the book, comparing Ralph Cosham’s interpretation with that of Peter Capaldi.
On to Chapter 8: Opens with the first biblical quotation, from the Acts of the Apostles, which basically gives the game away as to what happens in this chapter. This is the first chapter in which all three of this group of rabbits advantages come in to play. First there is the basic advantage of physical strength, as characterised by Bigwig. Then there are the psychic abilities of Fiver, which have started the whole adventure. And lastly there is rationalism and the ability to innovate, as demonstrated best by Blackberry. Hazel, as leader, is properly tested for the first time, as he has to reconcile the input of all three. The scene is described in Adam’s usual brilliant way, making clear that the rabbits are taking in some of the details. Then they move upstream to feed. Hazel asks Fiver why they need to cross the river, rather than just move along it. His explanation might be a mixture of actual knowledge of landscape and a more mystical sense of the kind of place they need to find. In any case, it amounts to needing to cross so the ground will start to rise again to a high lonely place with dry soil. However Fiver and Pipkin are too tired to swim yet and must rest. Bigwig comes along and asks if they are ready to move on. Hazel says no firmly and Blackberry diffuses tension by suggesting Bigwig swim the river to scout out the other side. As soon as Bigwig has gone he’s back with the news there’s a dog loose in the wood, trailing its chain. Bigwig’s approach is for those who can to swim and the others to manage as best they can. They hear the dog yelp nearby. Hazel rejects this and says he will stay with those who cannot swim. Bigwig loses his temper. Not through fear though, Hazel notices. Simply because he cannot see another way. This is where the innovation of Blackberry comes in. He has found a piece of wood on the bank and understands that it can be used to float Fiver and Pipkin across to the other side. He is clearly extremely intelligent for a rabbit, as none of the others even understand what he is going on about. Except Fiver. Again, is this also intelligence or something else? As soon a Fiver gets it the plan comes into play. Bigwig and Silver push the piece of wood out, once Pipkin has been made to get on it as well. When the two small rabbits rotate on the wood, the sight makes no sense to most of them. But Blackberry asks Hazel to take the lead. As soon as he does, the rest of them start across. Pushing the little raft is obviously not easy for Bigwig, but he understands what he needs to do once he can see it will work. They all reach the other side safely and make for a hedgerow. Fiver makes it clear to Blackberry that he knows he saved him and Pipkin. Blackberry comments that it was a good idea that they should bear in mind for the future. He doesn’t seem boastful. Just objective. And his idea to bear it in mind will prove crucial later in the book.
Next episode: The rabbits make their way across new open countryside. What will they find?
Vocab:
Embleer: Stinking

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I really like Blackberry. A humble genius