Lightfoot the Deer

Name: Lightfoot the Deer
Author: Thornton W Burgess

The narrative follows Lightfoot, a deer navigating the dangers of the Green Forest, particularly during the hunting season. The story begins with Peter Rabbit reflecting on the dangers faced by ducks during their migration, which leads to a conversation with Lightfoot about the unfairness of hunting. Lightfoot expresses his concern for the ducks and his own experiences with hunters, revealing his gentle nature. As autumn arrives, the atmosphere shifts to one of fear, with the "Spirit of Fear" haunting the forest creatures, including Lightfoot. The narrative details Lightfoot's encounters with hunters and his strategies to evade them, showcasing his intelligence and instincts. He forms a partnership with Paddy the Beaver, who offers to alert him to any dangers. The tension escalates when Lightfoot is pursued by hounds, forcing him to swim across the Big River to escape. Exhausted but determined, he finds refuge on a farmer's land, where he is protected from hunters. The farmer's kindness allows Lightfoot to recover, and he eventually returns to the Green Forest, where he discovers signs of a mysterious new deer. Lightfoot's search for this newcomer leads him to feelings of loneliness and longing, contrasting with his earlier struggles for survival. The narrative builds to a confrontation with another male deer, which Lightfoot fights to defend his territory and the affection of a beautiful female deer, Miss Daintyfoot. The fight is intense, but Lightfoot ultimately triumphs, solidifying his place in the forest. In the end, Lightfoot finds happiness with Miss Daintyfoot, realizing that the challenges he faced were necessary for him to discover love. The story concludes with a reflection on how adversity can lead to unexpected blessings, emphasizing themes of survival, love, and the interconnectedness of life in the forest.

By Thornton W Burgess · First published 1918 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fiction, Animal Fiction · 23,644 words

First lines

Peter Rabbit was on his way back from the pond of Paddy the Beaver deep in the Green Forest. He had just seen Mr. and Mrs. Quack start toward the Big River for a brief visit before leaving on their long, difficult journey to the faraway Southland. Farewells are always rather sad, and this particular farewell had left Peter with a lump in his throat -- a queer, choky feeling.

What this Textopian page supports

Lightfoot the Deer is listed on Textopian as a novel by Thornton W Burgess, dated 1918 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Thornton W Burgess
Date: 1918 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Fiction, Animal Fiction, Adventure, Nature Writing
Length: 23,644 words
Structure: 1 section, 268 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Children's Literature — The book is primarily aimed at a young audience, featuring animal characters and moral lessons.
Fiction — The narrative is a fictional story centered around the life of a deer and its adventures.
Animal Fiction — The story focuses on anthropomorphized animals, exploring their lives and interactions.
Adventure — The plot includes elements of adventure as the characters navigate their environment and face challenges.