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30: Part Three: Efrafa. Chapter 30. A New Journey
30: Part Three: Efrafa. Chapter 30 A New Journey
30.1 Burrowkeeping
From now on I will very strictly deal with one chapter per episode, especially during the events of Part Three.
30.2 Introduction to Part Three
Parts 1 and 3 of WD are basically not set on the Down at all.
The only part of Part 3 set on WD comes right at the start of its first chapter, with the departure of the Great Raid on Efrafa.
The Great Raid is, arguably, an antagonistic act of interference in another culture. On the other hand, Efrafa is, as it is described, blatantly a "failing state" in which its own citizens, in private, say that the system is breaking down.
On a similar vein, a while ago I started benefitting from the assistance of John Ruths, who is in the US military. It was he who emphasised to me just how much Richard Adam's military experience seems to have influenced the book.
The majority of being a soldier in an active war-zone seems to be not about fighting, but about staying concealed and safe until you are ready to do what you need to get done. In this sense, the life of a rabbit can be compared to life in an active war-zone. And there is no part of WD that is more military in character than Part Three.
30.3 Chapter 30. A New Journey
Adams succinctly describes the group that sets off for Efrafa as being the same as that which left Sandleford Warren 5 weeks earlier, minus Buckthorn and plus Bluebell.
The progress of this larger party on open downland is slower than Holly's small mission and Hazel uses the sensible tactic of dividing them into 3 separate groups.
Sometime before Ni-frith (or noon) they reach Caesar's Belt.
It is mentioned that Bigwig has seemed preoccupied during the morning. Bluebell has overheard him talking to Hazel Fiver and Blackberry, and it sounded as if he was being reassured. They are now likely to be within the range of Efrafan wide-patrols.
Hazel makes it clear that he has brought this many rabbits because not one member of a wide-patrol must make it back to Efrafa if they meet one. They are going to use Caesars Belt to avoid Efrafan wide-patrols and find somewhere near Efrafa to hide.
Silver says that this will not be easy and warns that wide-patrols that spot them may not make themselves known but just report back to Efrafa.
The group move along Caesars Belt for about half a mile to the west. There, before sunset, Kehaar meets them. Hazel makes it clear to Kehaar that they need him to find somewhere for them to hide.
Kehaar suggests crossing the river to the south of Efrafa, using a bridge, and Fiver comments that they should get there as quickly as possible. Hazel says they will travel at night, starting Fu-inlè, or after moonrise.
He decides some entertainment would be in order. A couple of light-hearted stories are suggested , but Bigwig interrupts. There is only one story he wants to hear. When it is pointed out to him that it might not be appropriate he reacted angrily towards Hazel, saying that if anyone has the right to choose the story that is told it is him.
After an awkward pause, Dandelion begins.
30.4 Next Episode
Next time we hear the story of El-ahrairah and the Black Rabbit of Inlè.
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By Newell Fisher
4.7
1414 ratings
30: Part Three: Efrafa. Chapter 30 A New Journey
30.1 Burrowkeeping
From now on I will very strictly deal with one chapter per episode, especially during the events of Part Three.
30.2 Introduction to Part Three
Parts 1 and 3 of WD are basically not set on the Down at all.
The only part of Part 3 set on WD comes right at the start of its first chapter, with the departure of the Great Raid on Efrafa.
The Great Raid is, arguably, an antagonistic act of interference in another culture. On the other hand, Efrafa is, as it is described, blatantly a "failing state" in which its own citizens, in private, say that the system is breaking down.
On a similar vein, a while ago I started benefitting from the assistance of John Ruths, who is in the US military. It was he who emphasised to me just how much Richard Adam's military experience seems to have influenced the book.
The majority of being a soldier in an active war-zone seems to be not about fighting, but about staying concealed and safe until you are ready to do what you need to get done. In this sense, the life of a rabbit can be compared to life in an active war-zone. And there is no part of WD that is more military in character than Part Three.
30.3 Chapter 30. A New Journey
Adams succinctly describes the group that sets off for Efrafa as being the same as that which left Sandleford Warren 5 weeks earlier, minus Buckthorn and plus Bluebell.
The progress of this larger party on open downland is slower than Holly's small mission and Hazel uses the sensible tactic of dividing them into 3 separate groups.
Sometime before Ni-frith (or noon) they reach Caesar's Belt.
It is mentioned that Bigwig has seemed preoccupied during the morning. Bluebell has overheard him talking to Hazel Fiver and Blackberry, and it sounded as if he was being reassured. They are now likely to be within the range of Efrafan wide-patrols.
Hazel makes it clear that he has brought this many rabbits because not one member of a wide-patrol must make it back to Efrafa if they meet one. They are going to use Caesars Belt to avoid Efrafan wide-patrols and find somewhere near Efrafa to hide.
Silver says that this will not be easy and warns that wide-patrols that spot them may not make themselves known but just report back to Efrafa.
The group move along Caesars Belt for about half a mile to the west. There, before sunset, Kehaar meets them. Hazel makes it clear to Kehaar that they need him to find somewhere for them to hide.
Kehaar suggests crossing the river to the south of Efrafa, using a bridge, and Fiver comments that they should get there as quickly as possible. Hazel says they will travel at night, starting Fu-inlè, or after moonrise.
He decides some entertainment would be in order. A couple of light-hearted stories are suggested , but Bigwig interrupts. There is only one story he wants to hear. When it is pointed out to him that it might not be appropriate he reacted angrily towards Hazel, saying that if anyone has the right to choose the story that is told it is him.
After an awkward pause, Dandelion begins.
30.4 Next Episode
Next time we hear the story of El-ahrairah and the Black Rabbit of Inlè.