The story of The Velveteen Rabbit” by Margery Williams is a beloved children’s tale that explores themes of love, transformation, and the true meaning of being real. The ending of the story holds a special significance, offering readers a powerful message about how love can bring life and magic to even the most ordinary objects. The conclusion reveals the journey of the Velveteen Rabbit from a simple stuffed toy to a real, living rabbit, highlighting the transformative power of affection and belief. Understanding how the story ends allows readers to appreciate the emotional depth and hopeful message that has made this tale timeless.
The Velveteen Rabbit’s Transformation
As the story reaches its conclusion, the Velveteen Rabbit, who has been loved deeply by a young boy, faces the prospect of being thrown away because the boy has fallen ill and the toy must be disinfected. Despite the threat of loss, the rabbit’s love for the boy and the boy’s love in return have already changed the toy profoundly. The Rabbit learns from the Skin Horse a wise old toy that becoming real happens through being loved truly and fully, not just through physical changes.
When the time comes for the Velveteen Rabbit to be discarded, a magical event occurs. A fairy appears and recognizes that the rabbit has become real through the boy’s love. She grants the rabbit the gift of life, turning him into a real rabbit who can live freely in the natural world.
Key Moments Leading to the Ending
- The boy’s deep love and playfulness bring the rabbit to life emotionally.
- The Skin Horse explains what it means to become real.
- The threat of the rabbit’s destruction due to illness and cleanliness concerns.
- The intervention of the Nursery Magic Fairy who transforms the rabbit physically.
The Symbolism Behind the Ending
The ending symbolizes the idea that true reality is not about appearance but about love and emotional connection. The Velveteen Rabbit becomes real not because of his materials or craftsmanship, but because he has been cherished sincerely. This reflects the broader theme that what makes someone or something real is the love and care they receive, transcending physical form.
Furthermore, the transformation into a real rabbit represents freedom and a new beginning. The Rabbit moves from being an inanimate object to a living creature with the ability to explore the world independently, embodying the fulfillment of a dream made possible through love.
Symbolic Themes in the Ending
- Love as the force that brings life and meaning.
- The journey from innocence to reality through emotional growth.
- The transition from dependence to independence.
- Magic as a metaphor for transformation and hope.
The Boy’s Role After the Rabbit’s Transformation
After the Velveteen Rabbit is transformed and released into the wild, the boy no longer has the stuffed toy to play with. However, the story hints that the boy’s love has left a lasting impression, both on the rabbit and on the boy himself. The rabbit’s newfound freedom and life are a testament to their bond.
Though the boy loses his beloved toy in its original form, the rabbit’s transformation can be seen as a beautiful metaphor for the impact of love and the bittersweet nature of growing up. The story encourages readers to appreciate the intangible qualities of relationships and memories that endure beyond physical objects.
The Boy’s Emotional Journey
- Initial deep affection for the Velveteen Rabbit.
- The pain of separation as the toy is taken away.
- The lasting impact of love on both the boy and the rabbit.
- Acceptance of change and growth as part of life’s cycle.
The Ending’s Impact on Readers
The ending of “The Velveteen Rabbit” resonates with readers of all ages because it speaks to universal experiences of love, loss, and transformation. It teaches children about the power of affection and the idea that being real comes from the heart. For adults, the story can evoke nostalgia and reflection on the meaning of genuine connection and the passage of time.
This emotional and hopeful conclusion contributes to the story’s enduring popularity and its place as a classic in children’s literature. It reminds readers that true value lies not in appearance or status, but in the love shared between beings.
Why the Ending Matters
- Offers a comforting message about love and reality.
- Encourages empathy and emotional growth.
- Provides hope through the idea of transformation and renewal.
- Inspires readers to value relationships over material things.
The Velveteen Rabbit’s ending is a beautiful culmination of a story about love, transformation, and what it truly means to be real. Through the magical transformation granted by the fairy, the rabbit achieves the dream of becoming alive, illustrating that love can bring profound changes that go beyond the physical world. The story closes with a hopeful and meaningful message that continues to touch the hearts of readers, reminding us all of the power of love to transform and give life to what we hold dear.