The narrator makes multiple allusions in Chapter 5 when describing Mole's home to the reader:
On the walls hung wire baskets with ferns in them, alternating with brackets carrying plaster statuary—Garibaldi, and the infant Samuel, and Queen Victoria, and other heroes of modern Italy.
The narrator includes references to Giuseppe Garibaldi, Samuel from the Bible, and Queen Victoria, all of whom were important leaders in their respective contexts. Giuseppe Garibaldi was an Italian general and nationalist who played a significant role in the unification of Italy during the 19th century. By referencing Garibaldi, Grahame invokes a historical figure associated with Italian heroism and patriotism.
The reference to the infant Samuel alludes to the biblical figure from the Old Testament. In the Bible, Samuel is a prophet and represents wisdom and good judgement. Queen Victoria, who ruled Britain from 1837 to 1901, is known for having a prosperous and influential reign, during which the British Empire expanded greatly.
By presenting these allusions to the reader, Grahame aims to convey something specific about Mole's nature to the reader. The references to esteemed heroes and leaders all add depth and context to Mole's character, suggesting that he values respectability and good manners. The presence of these leaders in Mole's home aligns with his general behavior and personality throughout the novel, as he consistently displays a sense of propriety and adherence to social norms.
The Wind in the Willows emphasizes the significance of manners and proper etiquette. It portrays manners as essential for the functioning of society and as a way of showing respect and appreciation, particularly among friends. Mole, Rat, and Badger serve as examples for Toad, teaching him the importance of manners. This lesson is intended to resonate with readers and convey the value of exhibiting proper conduct in one's interactions with others.
The narrator uses a simile and also makes an allusion to the Royal Humane Society in Chapter 5, describing how Mole and Rat try to revive a field mouse who gets stage fright:
Mole coaxed and encouraged him, and the Rat went so far as to take him by the shoulders and shake him; but nothing could overcome his stage-fright. They were all busily engaged on him like watermen applying the Royal Humane Society’s regulations to a case of long submersion, when the latch clicked, the door opened, and the field-mouse with the lantern reappeared, staggering under the weight of his basket.
In the simile above, the narrator makes a reference to the Royal Humane Society, a well-known British charity that promotes lifesaving intervention. Watermen are people trained to rescue and resuscitate people who have been submerged in water for a prolonged period. This reference would have been familiar to most readers at the time. By comparing Mole and Rat to "watermen" saving the field mouse from drowning, the narrator suggests that they are treating him with urgency and care, drawing a parallel between the diligence with which Mole and Rat try to "wake" the field mouse from his stage fright and the rescue procedures watermen undergo in emergency situations. Grahame's use of simile also underscores the intensity of the mouse's stage fright, an image that allows readers to more easily place themselves in the mouse's shoes.
This evocative and humorous comparison creates a memorable image for the reader, highlighting the dramatic nature of the situation. By drawing this parallel, the narrator underscores the significance and intensity of the moment, capturing the urgency and heroism exhibited by Mole and Rat in their lifesaving efforts. Grahame's use of simile and allusion adds depth and richness to the narrative, engaging the reader and enhancing the overall reading experience.
