He had had a severe shock some weeks earlier, when, having narrowly failed to capture a large grey-brown hare for his dinner, it had stopped at the edge of the forest, looked at him with disdain, and said, 'Well, I hope you're proud of yourself, that's all,' and had scampered off into the long grass

Summary

This quote symbolizes the revelation of unexpected intelligence in animals and the realization of a deeper connection between humans and nature. The hare's ability to articulate thoughts and express a witty remark surprises the protagonist, highlighting the humbling nature of encounters with the natural world. It suggests that non-human creatures are not merely oblivious beings but possess their own consciousness and perception of the human presence in their environment. The quote prompts reflection on the impact of human actions on the natural world and alludes to the importance of respect and harmony with all living beings.

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