In Chapter 10, Toad sings a boastful song that is described by the narrator using a hyperbole:
'Ho, ho!' [Toad] said to himself as he marched along with his chin in the air, 'what a clever Toad I am! There is surely no animal equal to me for cleverness in the whole world! [...] Ho, ho! I am the Toad, the handsome, the popular, the successful Toad! [...] It was perhaps the most conceited song that any animal ever composed.
By highlighting the song's conceited nature, the narrator creates a sense of absurdity and emphasizes the over-the-top nature of the song's arrogance. This hyperbolic statement adds a touch of humor and whimsy to the narrative.
Grahame also includes this moment to convey a message about Toad's prideful nature, which consistently leads him into trouble throughout the novel. He is portrayed as reckless, impulsive, and full of arrogance, driven by an insatiable appetite for adventure. He is also incredibly entitled, constantly seeking immediate gratification without regard to the consequences of his actions. Toad's sense of self-importance is portrayed as a negative trait that not only jeopardizes his relationships with Rat, Mole, and Badger but also results in the loss of his home, Toad Hall. As the story progresses, Toad's reckless behavior proves to be a threat to his friendships and overall well-being.
By the end of the novel, Toad undergoes a transformation, learning from his mistakes and adopting a more modest demeanor. Toad learns valuable lessons about humility, responsibility, and the importance of friendship. All in all, Toad's experiences and character development in The Wind in the Willows offer moral instruction to readers, highlighting the importance of humility and personal growth.
