The Wind in the Willows Chapter Summary & Analysis - Chapter IX Summary

Chapter IX Summary

Back at the river, the Water Rat grows restless as another summer draws to a close. The birds, and many others among Rat's friends, are making their annual preparations to head south for the winter. Rat feels left out by his southbound friends, who are too busy to spend time with him, and he can't understand why they feel the need to leave the river he loves so much. Rat feels a bit like a local who is left behind in a resort town as the season ends and the tourists pack up to leave. The Rat is a very settled creature who likes to stay where he is; he appreciates the faithfulness of his beloved river, which always stays put where it is. And yet, even Rat can't help but feel affected by the excitement of the creatures preparing to depart, and he talks to the birds, trying to...
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