The Velveteen Rabbit Sadness Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Paragraph)

Quote #4

"Why don't you get up and play with us?" one of them asked.

"I don't feel like it," said the Rabbit, for he didn't want to explain that he had no clockwork.

"Ho!" said the furry rabbit. "It's as easy as anything," And he gave a big hop sideways and stood on his hind legs.

"I don't believe you can!" he said.

"I can!" said the little Rabbit. "I can jump higher than anything!" He meant when the Boy threw him, but of course he didn't want to say so. (29-33)

Poor Rabbit. These wild rabbits kind of make him feel bad about himself by hopping all around and showing off their skills. He tries to fit in by pretending he can jump super high…when the Boy throws him. That just breaks out hearts a little.

Quote #5

That was a dreadful question, for the Velveteen Rabbit had no hind legs at all! The back of him was made all in one piece, like a pincushion. He sat still in the bracken, and hoped that the other rabbits wouldn't notice. (35)

These mean girl rabbits are really making our little friend feel bad about himself. He doesn't have any legs to move around, so he just has to pretend he like sitting perfectly still and not moving at all. Total downer.

Quote #6

"He doesn't smell right!" he exclaimed. "He isn't a rabbit at all! He isn't real!"

"I am Real!" said the little Rabbit. "I am Real! The Boy said so!" And he nearly began to cry. (44-45)

These wild rabbits are breaking his little stuffed heart. The Rabbit gets so upset that these other guys don't think he's real that he nearly starts to cry. This is serious stuff. A toy can't really cry, but this little guy is feeling some serious sorrow.