Fantastic Mr. Fox — Chapter 14

About This Passage

This passage was chosen because it holds Dahl's moral centre for the whole book in one short exchange. Mr Fox admits the danger, refuses revenge, and names his ethic — 'take a little food here and there to keep us and our families alive.' Badger's gentle 'I do, Foxy, I do indeed' shows how a friend can RECEIVE hard truths. Copying this teaches students that refusing to stoop to an enemy's level is a moral choice, not a weakness.

Narration Prompt

Retell Chapter 14 in your own words. Why does the Smallest Fox stay behind? What does Badger worry about? How does Mr Fox answer him, and what do they find at the end of the chapter?

Discussion Questions

1. Badger asks, 'Doesn't this worry you just a tiny bit, Foxy?' Why is it BRAVE to ask a friend a hard question — especially the kind of question that might make the friend angry? What does Badger risk by speaking up?
2. Mr Fox defends his taking: 'do you know anyone in the whole world who wouldn't swipe a few chickens if his children were starving to death?' Is this a strong argument, a weak argument, or something more complicated? Is there a difference between stealing from someone and taking food to keep your children alive?

+ 3 more questions in the complete study guide