The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh Coming of Age Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Book Title.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

Then he began to think of all the things Christopher Robin would want to tell him when he came back from wherever he was going to, and muddling it would be for a Bear of Very Little Brain to try and get them right in his mind. "So, perhaps," he said sadly to himself, "Christopher Robin won't tell me anymore" (House.10.50)

Fittingly, Pooh is the only character who has some insight into the reasoning behind CR's departure. And Pooh's acceptance helps us understand a bit more too. Pooh understands that all this new information is actually important to Christopher Robin, and unfortunately he and the other animals are no longer fit to play the roles that Christopher Robin needs in his friends. We're not supposed to feel bad that Christopher Robin is leaving the Forest. We're supposed to see it as the natural way things go.

Quote #8

"I'm not going to do Nothing any more."

"Never again?"

"Well, not so much. They don't let you." (House.10.55-57)

Who are they? Well, teachers most likely. School takes up most of a child's day once he gets to that age, and the freedom that was once given him to play and explore is naturally limited. After all the assurances that growing up really isn't too bad, Milne can't help but take one poke at the idea of adults imposing education and responsibility on their kids.