COVE

This gallery discusses the importance of The Tale of Peter Rabbit in the history of children’s literature. First, Potter’s accessible and relatable animal characters allow her to discuss moral lessons without the explicitly harsh or violent implications of previous didactic texts. Rather, while teaching the reader about the consequences of their actions, she simultaneously entertains them with fast-paced action. Second, the illustrations pay close attention to detail with anatomically correct rabbits and realistic backdrops, coupling with the fantastical, anthropomorphic rabbits. This creates a paradox between realism and imagination—a style uniquely belonging to Potter. Therefore, The Tale of Peter Rabbit appeals to a wide variety of readers because readers relate to the protagonist, the author expresses the moral lesson in a family-friendly manner, the plot excites the audience, and Potter’s remarkable artistry captivates the reader.

Beatrix Potter wrote and illustrated The Tale of Peter Rabbit in a letter for the son of her former governess. In 1901, the children’s book was revised and privately printed, and after being published by Frederick Warne & Co. in 1902, the book was a success. Now, The Tale of Peter Rabbit is one of the best-selling books to date. In The Tale of Peter Rabbit, the mother of four rabbits, three girls and one boy, warns the children to avoid Mr. McGregor’s garden because Mr. McGregor caught their father there and baked him into a pie. Peter, the protagonist, ignores his mother’s warning and enters the garden while his sisters pick blackberries. While Peter eats Mr. McGregor’s vegetables, the man spots him, and chases him through the garden. Peter becomes lost in the garden. He eventually discovers the gate, but not without the man almost catching him. When Peter returns home, he rests, and his mother makes him chamomile tea.

Beatrix Potter, "But Peter, Who Was Very Naughty, Ran Straight Away to Mr. McGregor's Garden, and Squeezed Under the Gate!" in The Tale of Peter Rabbit, 1902, Amazon. Peter Rabbit squeezes under Mr. McGregor’s garden gate before indulging in the farmer’s vegetables. Because Peter Rabbit is relatable to and easily understood by children, the audience better engages with the lessons presented to them. Why is Peter relatable? Although Peter is an animal, he is intelligent, even managing to outsmart Mr. McGregor, and Peter possesses many other humanlike traits. Peter’s character embodies the curiosity and mischievousness of children, which often results in children getting into trouble. As stated before, he disobeys his mother and sneaks into Mr. McGregor’s garden, tempted by the promise of vegetables inside. Perhaps Peter is influenced by the “forbidden fruit effect,” a psychological term for wanting something more if it is placed off-limits. Mr. McGregor’s garden could even be an allegory for the Garden of Eden, the story from which the phrase originates. No matter his reason for disobedience, Peter, like all children, is by no means perfect, which makes him a sympathetic character. In addition, Peter’s character possesses emotional depth—he feels excitement and fear throughout his adventure—which allows the reader to sympathize with him.