Karly

You will notice that this week I am not burdening you with a university assignment-long post, instead, I’ve opted to keep this short and sweet, as we still have another week of March, and if you’ve been keeping up with the blog, you’ve had a mini-run of Irish themed posts, so think of this post as a little palate cleanse.

Spring has arrived, bringing with it blooming flowers, longer days, and—of course—rabbits. Whether darting through fields or hopping through the pages of literature, these creatures have long held a special place in storytelling. With the March Hare leading the way, let’s explore some of the most memorable rabbits in literature and wish everyone a happy spring!

The March Hare – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Perhaps one of the most famous literary rabbits, the March Hare is best known for his eccentric and unpredictable behaviour in Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alongside the Mad Hatter, he hosts the chaotic tea party where time stands still and nonsense reigns supreme. The phrase “mad as a March hare” was already common before Carroll wrote his novel, referring to the frantic behaviour of hares during their spring mating season.

The White Rabbit – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

Another beloved rabbit from Carroll’s tale, the White Rabbit, is the anxious, time-obsessed creature that first leads Alice down the rabbit hole. His famous cry, “Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be late!” sets the entire adventure into motion. Symbolising curiosity and urgency, the White Rabbit is an enduring figure in both literature and popular culture.

Peter Rabbit – The Tale of Peter Rabbit

Beatrix Potter’s mischievous Peter Rabbit has been delighting readers since 1902. Ignoring his mother’s warnings, Peter sneaks into Mr. McGregor’s garden, leading to a heart-pounding chase. His rebellious spirit and charming blue coat have made him an iconic figure in children’s literature, and his adventures continue to be loved across generations.

The Velveteen Rabbit – The Velveteen Rabbit

Margery Williams’ The Velveteen Rabbit is a heartwarming tale about love, loss, and becoming “real.” This story follows a stuffed rabbit who dreams of being loved enough to transform into a real rabbit. With its touching message about the power of love and self-acceptance, The Velveteen Rabbit remains a cherished classic.

Bugs Bunny – A Honourable Mention

While not from literature, it’s hard to discuss famous rabbits without mentioning Bugs Bunny. The wise-cracking, carrot-munching icon of animation has been entertaining audiences for decades. His cleverness and charisma have cemented him as one of the most famous rabbits in popular culture.

From the madcap antics of the March Hare to the heartwarming tale of The Velveteen Rabbit, literary rabbits have captured our imaginations for centuries. As spring arrives and hares begin their seasonal dances, it’s the perfect time to revisit these classic stories and appreciate the role of rabbits in literature.

Wishing you all a joyful and book-filled spring! 🌸🐇📖