The Wind in the Willows

by

Kenneth Grahame

The Wind in the Willows Symbols

The River

The river symbolizes growing up, freedom, and independence. Early in the novel, it’s the catalyst for young Mole’s coming-of-age. Readers first meet Mole as Mole is spring-cleaning his underground home—but Mole suddenly throws down…

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Cars

Cars symbolize Toad’s immaturity and his total lack of regard for anyone but himself. They also symbolize the modern, industrialized world, which the novel frames as being in opposition to the idyllic natural setting…

read analysis of Cars