Estimated read time: 5 min read
One Sentence Summary
The Borrowers are tiny people who live secretly in houses and "borrow" items to survive, until a young girl discovers their existence.
Table of Contents
Introduction
"The Borrowers" by Mary Norton is a classic children's novel that tells the story of a family of tiny people who live secretly in the walls and floors of an English house. The book follows the adventures of the Clock family, consisting of Pod, Homily, and their daughter Arrietty, as they navigate their miniature world and interact with the human "beans" who unknowingly share their home. With its themes of friendship, resourcefulness, and the wonder of discovery, "The Borrowers" has captivated readers of all ages since its publication in 1952.
Brief Synopsis
Plot Overview
The story is set in an old English country house, where the Clock family lives beneath the floorboards, borrowing everything they need from the human inhabitants. The Borrowers are a tiny race of people who are about six inches tall and live by "borrowing" things from the big people, whom they call "beans." The main character, Arrietty Clock, is a curious and adventurous young Borrower who longs to explore the world beyond her home.
Setting
The majority of the story takes place in the human house, particularly in the nooks and crannies where the Borrowers make their home. The house itself becomes a fascinating and perilous landscape for the tiny characters, as they navigate through rooms, passages, and gardens in their quest for survival and adventure.
Main Characters
The main characters in "The Borrowers" include:
| Character | Description |
|---|---|
| Arrietty Clock | A spirited young Borrower who is eager to explore the world beyond her home |
| Pod Clock | Arrietty's father, a resourceful and protective figure who teaches his daughter the ways of Borrowers |
| Homily Clock | Arrietty's mother, who is anxious and often preoccupied with the family's safety and well-being |
| Aunt Lupy | A Borrower relative who lives in a badger's set and has a reputation for being eccentric |
Story Points Over Chapters
Chapter 1: The Borrowers
We are introduced to the Clock family, who reside in the house of Mrs. May, an elderly woman who has discovered their existence. Arrietty longs to go borrowing in the house but is restricted by her parents due to the dangers involved.
Chapter 2: The Making of a Borrower
Arrietty's father, Pod, takes her on her first borrowing expedition, teaching her the art of taking small items and leaving something in return. Arrietty's excitement and curiosity about the human world grow.
Chapter 3: Under the Kitchen Floor
Arrietty's encounters with the boy who lives in the house, and her growing friendship with him, become a source of conflict and curiosity for her. She starts to question the traditional Borrower way of avoiding contact with humans.
Chapter 4: A Dreadful Catastrophe
Arrietty's world is turned upside down when the boy discovers the Borrowers' home and tries to befriend them. The family is forced to flee and seek refuge with their eccentric relative, Aunt Lupy.
Chapter 5: A Plan and a Departure
The Clock family, along with Aunt Lupy, devise a plan to find a new home. They embark on a perilous journey through the fields and hedgerows, facing numerous challenges and dangers along the way.
Chapter 6: The Borrowers Go Aloft
The Clock family eventually finds a new home in a model village within a railway embankment. They adapt to their new surroundings and begin to rebuild their lives, while Arrietty continues to ponder the mysteries of the human world.
Main Events
- Arrietty's first borrowing expedition with her father, Pod.
- The discovery of the Borrowers by the human boy, leading to a crisis for the Clock family.
- The perilous journey of the Clock family and Aunt Lupy to find a new home.
- The Clock family settling in a model village within a railway embankment and starting anew.
Themes and Insights
Themes
- Friendship: The unlikely friendship that develops between Arrietty and the human boy challenges the traditional boundaries between Borrowers and humans.
- Resourcefulness: The Borrowers' ability to adapt and make use of the resources available to them in their tiny world highlights the theme of resourcefulness and resilience.
- Exploration and Discovery: Arrietty's curiosity about the human world and her desire to explore beyond the confines of her home drive the narrative and underscore the theme of exploration and discovery.
Insights
"The Borrowers" offers insights into the universal human desire for connection and the resilience of the human spirit, as seen through the lens of the tiny Borrower characters. The book also provides a whimsical perspective on the everyday objects and spaces that we often take for granted, reimagining them as a vast and wondrous landscape for the miniature inhabitants.
Reader's Takeaway
Readers of "The Borrowers" are treated to a delightful and imaginative journey into a world that exists alongside our own, yet remains hidden from view. The book encourages readers to embrace curiosity, celebrate the small joys of life, and appreciate the interconnectedness of all beings, regardless of size.
Conclusion
"The Borrowers" by Mary Norton continues to enchant readers with its timeless story of adventure, friendship, and the marvels of the everyday world. Through the eyes of the Clock family, readers are transported into a miniature realm where ingenuity and courage reign supreme, leaving a lasting impression on audiences of all ages.
The Borrowers FAQ
What is 'The Borrowers' about?
The Borrowers is a children's fantasy novel about tiny people who live in the walls and floors of human homes and 'borrow' things they need to survive.
Who is the author of 'The Borrowers'?
The author of 'The Borrowers' is Mary Norton.
Is 'The Borrowers' suitable for all ages?
Yes, 'The Borrowers' is a classic children's book that is suitable for readers of all ages, but it is primarily targeted at young readers.
Are there any sequels to 'The Borrowers'?
Yes, 'The Borrowers' is part of a series and has several sequels, including 'The Borrowers Afield', 'The Borrowers Afloat', and 'The Borrowers Aloft'.
Is 'The Borrowers' a standalone book or part of a series?
While 'The Borrowers' can be read as a standalone book, it is the first book in a series and is followed by several sequels.
