Vocabulary
Velveteen
A cotton fabric that resembles velvet.
"It's a thing that happens to you."
Why were the mechanical toys less likely to become Real?
They were easier to break because of their mechanics. It takes a lot of time to become Real.
BONUS: The mechanical toys represent prestige and outward appearances. They could only ever be toys because they were too fragile or sharp to truly love.
Who made the Skin Horse "Real"?
The boy's Uncle.
When was The Velveteen Rabbit published?
1922.
Sprig
A stem of leaves or flowers.
"When you are Real..."
"you don't mind being hurt."
What is the alternative meaning behind this line from the story? "people who jump generally have something to wind them up."
Literal: clockwork, connected to the workings of mechanical toys.
Metaphorical: people who are worried/scared generally have a reason behind their feelings.
What holiday was the Velveteen Rabbit given to the boy during?
Christmas
Huber argues that humans need to have what to be human?
Threadbare
Thin and tattered with age.
"Once you are Real you can't be ugly, except..."
"to people who don't understand."
What's the alternative meaning behind this line from the story, "That's why it doesn't happen often to people who break easily, or have sharp edges, or who have to be carefully kept."
Literal: Mechanical toys are less likely to become real because they cannot be used long enough to be truly loved.
Metaphorical: People who break easily, are edged, or need to be walked around are harder to love.
What was the boy sick with?
Scarlet Fever
What type of love does Williams argue that we need to reach contentedness?
Unconditional love.
Bygone
From an earlier time.
"Of what use was it to be loved and lose..."
"one's beauty and become Real if it all ended like this?"
Who/what acts as the deus ex machina of this story?
The nursery magic fairy.
Bonus: explain what deus ex machina means.
What physical action took place in the story by both the fairy and the boy which had an effect on the appearance of the velveteen rabbit?
They both kissed him.
The author of the article is surprised that William's story, The Velveteen Rabbit still resonates with people today because of its themes around authenticity and loving your true self. Why?
The social cybersphere and effects of internet culture on how we communicate and connect with others.
Snubbed
Treating with disrespect or unfairness.
"You were Real to the boy," the Fairy said, "because he loved you. Now,"
"you shall be Real to every one."
What is the greatest thing you will ever learn?
(Not a quote from the story, but I'm hoping at least one of you will get it)
"Is to love, and be loved in return."
Why do the wild rabbits run away from the velveteen one?
He is only Real to the boy, not to the rest of the world. The wild rabbits teased him for not looking like or acting like a "real" rabbit. When they realized that he smelled different and that the boy was returning, they disappeared.
Essentially: They run away because they have 'othered' the velveteen rabbit. He was different, so he couldn't be like them.
According to Williams, why are most children's stories sad?
"But it is the sadness which is inseparable from life, which has to do with growth and change and impermanence, and with the very essence of beauty."