Culture 1- Feathers and Fools

by Mem Fox


A. Bibliography: Fox, Mem. 1996. Feathers and Fools. Ill. by Nicholas Wilton. San Diego: Harcourt Brace & Company. ISBN 9780152004736.

B. Plot Summary This is a modern fable about some peacocks and swans who allow the fears of their differences to become so great they end up destroying each other. The peacocks first observe the swans can swim and fly yet they cannot. They became paranoid and worried the swans were going to try to change their way of life. They prepare to defend themselves against the swans if needed. The swans, hearing of the peacocks' plans, prepare themselves for battle too. A fight to the death breaks out after a peacock mistakenly identifies a swan as carrying an arrow instead of a reed for nest-making. A baby peacock and swan hatch and notice they are both alike with feathers and wings. They become fast friends and focus on their similarities rather than their differences.

C. Critical Analysis (Including Cultural Markers) Mem Fox tells an important universal message in her story Feathers and Fools. Too often we judge others on misperceptions or our own insecurities which can become our biggest downfall. What a wonderful, peaceful world it would be if only we were like the young peacock and swan who only focus on what they have in common and not their differences.

The setting of the story occurs in a garden near a clear blue lake. It could be at any place in the world. The illustrations are brilliant. Wilton uses bright, vivid colors to show the beauty of both the peacocks and the swans. The colors turn to darker shades when the insecurities of the birds start to appear. Wilton made a good decision by choosing not to show the carnage left after the bloody battle. Instead he makes his point by coloring the entire page in a deep maroon. The colors become brighter again as we see eggs hatching and bringing new life again.

Fox's picture book makes the reader think about the world we live in and how peaceful it could be if only we would let it. It is easy to replace the birds in the story with humans. It is a powerful message that reaches across the continents.


D. Review Excerpts
From Publishers Weekly
PW said of this allegorical tale of war between swans and peacocks, "The text's pointed poetry will sink directly into children's hearts, while the mysteries [depicted in] the sophisticated acrylics offer possibilities for contemplation and discovery." Ages 6-9. (May.-- the sophisticated acrylics offer possibilities for contemplation and discovery." Ages 6-9. (May)
From School Library Journal
This allegory is alive with symbolic references and ideas. The pictures, however, are what lift the story out of the ordinary. Wilton's full-page acrylic paintings on the right are framed with primitive borders laid against a second border of solid black. The left-hand page displays brief text set on a background of geometric and natural forms in symbolic shapes (roses and thorns, snakes and fish) in colors that are shaded with darkness but nonetheless vivid. This tale will be an easy step-off to discussion of the late arms-race, perhaps helping to clarify thoughts, even to changing opinions. Fox clearly implies that war is the result of stupidity and unreasonable fear.

E. Connections
Discussion questions:
Why did the peacocks become fearful of the swans?
Why did they swans start making their own weapons?
Describe the friendship between the peacock and swan in 5 years.
What are the similarities and differences between us in this classroom?

Other picture books by Mem Fox:
Koala Lou (illustrated by Pamela Lofts) ISBN 9780152005023
Whoever You Are (illustrated by Leslie Staub) ISBN 9780152007874
Possum Magic (illustrated by Julie Vivas) ISBN 9780152005726
Harriet, You'll Drive Me Wild! (illustrated by Marla Frazee)ISBN 9780152019778