The Fox

The Fox, or simply Fox, is the third character to appear in the book. Fox is the silent one of the group. Although he speaks the least out of the four friends, he still follows along with their adventure through the wilderness wherever they go. He is often shown giving Boy and/or Mole a piggy back ride while they travel.

**Introduction: Pain and Wary**

Fox is caught in an animal snare when Boy and Mole first run into him. Despite being unable to move, Fox immediately threatens Mole, stating: "If I wasn't caught in this snare, I'd kill you." Mole, however, is unfazed by Fox's threat. Mole remarks to Fox that he'll be the one to die if he stays stuck in the snare. Fox becomes docile and accepts Mole's offer to lend a helping hand. Mole chews through the trap with its teeth, thus freeing Fox. Fox is grateful, and joins Boy and Mole on their adventure.

Soon after Fox joins the group, the trio finds a pond. They stop and take a moment to gaze at the pond's waters. Mole accidentally falls into the water while talking with Boy. Seeing his new friend in need of help, Fox wastes no time in diving after him. He swims up to Mole and lets him hitch a ride on his head back to shore, thereby rescuing the little mole.

Based on Fox's initial introduction, one may assume he is a violent predator; just as his species- the fox, suggests. This is evidenced by the fact that Fox threatens to kill Mole upon first meeting him. Fox's death threat is the first and only instance of explicit violence mentioned in this otherwise very mellow book. However, due to being trapped in the snare, Fox is unable to carry through his supposed threat. Mole helps Fox get out of the snare and the two become friends thereafter, with Fox even returning the favor after Mole falls into the pond not long after they meet.

   The snare is a symbol of Fox's pain that functions on two levels. First, on a literal level, the snare is actively harming Fox in the present moment. Due to the nature of a snare, Fox also becomes bound to his pain. On a figurative level, the snare symbolizes previous pain and trauma a person could be carrying in their body from their past. Fox is a gentle person, as shown by how quickly he turns around his attitude after getting help from Mole. Fox was only putting on a façade because he thought it would help protect him from further pain. Thankfully, after receiving help from a couple of new friends, Fox was able to let go of his pain and start opening himself up to kindness again.

**Growth: Safety and Security Among Friends**

After Fox's introduction into the group, he doesn't talk much at all. However, throughout the illustrations, he is shown to actively listen to what the others have to say. Fox also marvels at the natural landscape alongside the group whenever they collectively decide to stop and look around.

   While Fox may not be talkative as the rest of the group, he still chimes in when he feels comfortable enough to do so. For example, when Horse asks the group what is their reason for continuing on, Fox simply replies "You three."

Another instance when Fox speaks up is when Boy directly comments about his silence as he wonders why he almost never talks. Horse agrees with Boy's comment, but also states that he appreciates Fox's presence within their group, finding him "quite lovely." Fox then confides with the group that the reason he doesn't talk much is because he feels he never has anything interesting enough to say. Horse reassures him that honesty is always interesting, implying that anything he has to say is already interesting because it's what he has to say.

    Both of these short instances of Fox speaking up reveal more about who he is a person. Fox is a person who holds his friendships close to his heart, so much so that he cites them as his reasons for going on in life. Additionally, Fox has grown very close to the new friends he has made with Boy, Mole, and Horse. He feels comfortable enough to share an insecurity he has with them. Despite his own personal flaws, Fox is still met with kindness and acceptance all the same. Fox's character arc is characterized by growing beyond past pain and trauma (thanks to the help and support of friends) and embracing kindness for oneself as well as for others.