Chapter 9 of Winnie The Pooh, constructs childhood as a time of helplessness and dependence. The assumption that being small was associated with vulnerability is also associated with childhood in the text. Also, it presents children as oblivious to danger and trouble when these situations arise. Instead they focus on things that are irrelevant and random. They feel the need for companionship in troubling situations. They find small things amusing and exciting. Children speak in plain language and find it hard to comprehend big words. They also find it hard to concentrate for long periods of time. Children are also often represented as self absorbed.
In Chapter 9 of Winnie the Pooh, Piglet is represented as helpless as he is small and does not have the same abilities to defend himself as his friends do.
Pg 98 '"It's a little Anxious..to be a very small animal entirely surrounded by water... and I can't do anything."'
He is in a vulnerable position as he is small and unable to help himself in dangerous situations. He is self absorbed, as he worries about being lonely and being unable to defend himself instead of worrying about the welfare of his friends, the forest, etc. Page 98 '"If only.. I had been in Pooh's house..instead of being here all alone, with nothing to do.."'. Christopher Robin finds it hard to comprehend long words and sentences, so owl must speak simply for him to understand.
Pg 104 '"The atmospheric conditions have been very unfavourable lately," said Owl.
"The what?"
"It has been raining," explained Owl.'
Piglet finds it hard to concentrate on what owl is saying after a while and falls asleep.
Page 108 'and the story went on and on..until Piglet..went to sleep quietly and naturally.'
They find strange things amusing, page 104 '"I say, Owl..isn't this fun? I'm on an island!". Christopher Robin does not find it concerning that his house is very badly flooded, but amusing.
Also, the illustration of Piglet in his tree house (page 99), represents him as small and helpless in the turmoil of the flood waters and strong rain. Another illustration on page 103 show Pooh in his awkward struggle on his 'boat' through the flood waters. He is seen as silly as he attempts to stay afloat on his honey pot boat. Yet he is awarded when he reaches Christopher Robin and thought of as 'brainy'. One of the Illustrations of Christopher Robin and Pooh floating in an umbrella and waving at their friends presents them as very creative for thinking of such a strange idea of floating in an umbrella and yet also humorous as it seems a foolish thing to do. This text represents Childhood as a dependant but yet frivolous time.
