Estimated read time: 7 min read
Table of Contents
The Borrowers Afloat: Character Analysis
"The Borrowers Afloat" by Mary Norton is a beloved children's book that tells the story of the Clock family, a group of tiny people who live secretly among humans and "borrow" items to survive. In this adventurous tale, there are several key characters who play important roles in the development of the plot and the growth of the story. Let's delve into the world of "The Borrowers Afloat" and analyze its intriguing characters.
List of Characters
- Arrietty Clock - The main protagonist, a brave and curious Borrower who yearns to explore the world beyond her home.
- Pod Clock - Arrietty's father, a resourceful and careful Borrower who takes on the responsibility of providing for his family.
- Homily Clock - Arrietty's mother, a worrisome and nostalgic Borrower who often dreams of a more comfortable life.
- Spiller - A wild Borrower who lives alone in the fields and helps the Clock family throughout their adventures.
- Uncle Hendreary - Pod's eccentric and adventurous brother who brings excitement and danger to the story.
- Mrs. Driver - The housekeeper of the house where the Clock family lives, who becomes an unexpected ally.
- Mild Eye - A fellow Borrower who joins the Clock family on their journey and provides valuable assistance.
Role Identification
Each character in "The Borrowers Afloat" serves a unique role in the story, contributing to the development of the plot and the growth of the other characters. Arrietty, as the main protagonist, drives the narrative forward with her curiosity and desire for exploration. Pod, as the responsible father figure, ensures the survival of the family by finding and borrowing necessary items. Homily, on the other hand, adds a touch of nostalgia and longing for a more comfortable life. Spiller, the wild Borrower, brings an element of danger and adventure to the story, while Uncle Hendreary introduces excitement and unpredictability. Mrs. Driver, the housekeeper, becomes an unexpected ally and source of help for the Clock family. Lastly, Mild Eye joins the family on their journey and provides valuable assistance throughout their adventures.
Character Descriptions
- Arrietty Clock: Arrietty is a young Borrower who possesses a strong sense of curiosity and a desire to explore the world beyond her home. She has a head of golden hair, which sets her apart from other Borrowers, and her wide blue eyes reflect her innocent and adventurous nature.
- Pod Clock: Arrietty's father, Pod, is a resourceful Borrower with a weathered face and keen eyes. He is always on the lookout for items that can be borrowed and constantly ensures the safety of his family.
- Homily Clock: Arrietty's mother, Homily, is a petite and worrisome Borrower with a fondness for comforts. She often dreams of a more luxurious life, which contrasts with her current reality as a Borrower.
- Spiller: Spiller is a wild Borrower who lives alone in the fields. He has a rugged appearance, wearing clothes made from leaves and moss. Spiller is skilled in surviving in the wilderness and becomes a valuable ally to the Clock family.
- Uncle Hendreary: Uncle Hendreary is Pod's adventurous brother who often appears unexpectedly. He has a theatrical flair and enjoys regaling others with his stories and experiences.
- Mrs. Driver: Mrs. Driver is the housekeeper of the house where the Clock family lives. She is described as a stout woman with a kind heart. Although initially unaware of the Borrowers' existence, she becomes a friend and ally to the family.
- Mild Eye: Mild Eye is a fellow Borrower who joins the Clock family on their journey. She has a sharp wit and is skilled in navigating the dangers of the world.
Character Traits
Arrietty is characterized by her curiosity, bravery, and sense of adventure. She yearns to explore the world and learn about the human beings who unknowingly share their home with the Borrowers. Pod is resourceful, responsible, and always thinking ahead. He ensures the safety and survival of his family by finding and borrowing necessities. Homily is portrayed as nostalgic, worrisome, and longing for a more comfortable life. She often daydreams about the luxuries of the human world. Spiller is wild, independent, and knowledgeable about surviving in the wilderness. Uncle Hendreary is eccentric, adventurous, and adds an element of excitement to the story. Mrs. Driver is kind-hearted, compassionate, and becomes an ally to the Clock family. Mild Eye is witty, skilled, and provides valuable assistance to the family throughout their journey.
Character Background
The Clock family's background is one of secrecy and survival. They are Borrowers, a tiny race of people who live hidden within the walls and floors of human homes. Their existence is a secret, and their survival depends on their ability to "borrow" necessary items from humans without being detected. Arrietty, Pod, and Homily have spent their lives living in the house of Mrs. Driver, unbeknownst to her. They live a simple life, borrowing what they need and avoiding human contact whenever possible. Spiller, on the other hand, has chosen to live a more solitary life in the fields, away from human settlements.
Character Arcs
Throughout "The Borrowers Afloat," the characters undergo personal growth and transformation. Arrietty starts as a curious and adventurous Borrower and gradually becomes more confident in her abilities and desires for independence. Pod's role as a responsible father figure is tested as he faces numerous challenges and dangers to protect his family. Homily's nostalgic longings are challenged as she experiences the realities of life outside their home. Spiller's solitary existence is disrupted by his interactions with the Clock family, and he learns the value of companionship and teamwork. Uncle Hendreary's adventures bring excitement and danger but also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-reflection. Mrs. Driver's understanding and compassion for the Borrowers deepen as she learns about their way of life. Lastly, Mild Eye's journey with the Clock family allows her to showcase her skills and resourcefulness.
Relationships
The relationships between the characters in "The Borrowers Afloat" are complex and integral to the story. Arrietty has a close bond with her parents, Pod and Homily, who love and protect her. They rely on each other for support and survival. Arrietty's interactions with Spiller evolve from initial suspicion to a deep friendship and mutual respect. Uncle Hendreary's presence brings excitement and danger to the family, but he also serves as a reminder of their larger Borrower community. Mrs. Driver's relationship with the Clock family is one of trust, friendship, and understanding. Mild Eye's presence adds another dynamic to the group, bringing her own skills and perspective.
In conclusion, "The Borrowers Afloat" by Mary Norton introduces readers to a fascinating world of tiny people and their adventures. The characters, including Arrietty, Pod, Homily, Spiller, Uncle Hendreary, Mrs. Driver, and Mild Eye, each play unique roles in driving the story forward and contribute to the development of the plot and other characters. Through their diverse traits, backgrounds, and relationships, these characters undergo personal growth, face challenges, and learn valuable lessons. Norton's storytelling and character development make "The Borrowers Afloat" a captivating read for all ages.
