![]() ![]() In stories about-but far from limited to-Peter Rabbit, Benjamin Bunny, Jemima Puddleduck, and Tom Kitten, dressing like humans is revealed to be an affront to biological instinct to the point that at times remaining in such unnatural attire puts her animals in danger while removing the clothing and embracing their natural instinct becomes the pathway to safety. ![]() What is subversive about Potter’s approach is the self-acknowledgement that animals should not be wearing clothes and so clothing becomes a symbol of social constraint upon the natural instinct and impulse. Potter’s menagerie is composed of anthropomorphic creatures who act, behave and even dress like human beings. The dominant symbol associated with this theme is clothing. “The Tale of Two Bad Mice” features a destruction orgy of subversive rebellion and even Peter Rabbit is prone to misbehavior and defying his mother’s authority. ![]() ![]() It really almost defies belief, for instance, that no punk rock band ever called themselves the Squirrel Nutkins considering how much of a nonconformist that character is. Potter herself rebelled against the conventions of the Victorian era so it should come as little surprise that her characters are rebels, hellions, and subversives. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make your own. These notes were contributed by members of the GradeSaver community. ![]()
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