Flashback Friday: "The Adventures of Winnie the Pooh"

Allyson Floridia ‘16 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer
Winnie the Pooh is an unforgettable childhood name. When people hear it, they often think of the character itself. They may also think of the movies, TV shows, and other collectible items, such as stuffed animals, associated with the name. However, Winnie the Pooh was originally a character from a novel. First written in 1926 by A. A. Milne in 1926 and published by E. P. Dutton & Co., Inc., Winnie the Pooh quickly became a classic. It chronicles the adventures of Pooh Bear and his collection of friends living in 100 Acre Wood.

Each chapter tells a different story, from Pooh Bear getting stuck in a tree to Piglet meeting a Heffalump. While the writing is simplistic, the characters come alive with distinctive personalities that make each of them loveable in their own way. Pooh Bear is the cuddly protagonist who loves honey. Piglet is the shy, steadfast best friend and Tigger is the carefree, funny tiger who is always making others smile. As characters are introduced, readers begin to see a family. Everyone in the novel cares about each other with the wholeheartedness and innocence of children. When Eeyore lost his tail, Pooh immediately started search for it, and everyone came together to go on expedition to the North Pole with Christopher Robin.
Pictures add another dimension to the story. The black and white drawings map out the world of 100 Aker Wood and give the characters faces. Rather than imagining Pooh climbing a tree, readers get an actual picture. They can see Pooh hanging on a branch, reaching for honey, and cheer him on. These pictures also correlate to the movie and TV versions of Winnie the Pooh and make this word and these characters seem more tangible.
That Winnie the Pooh is so well-known even today proves that the original story had a deep impact on society. The messages taught here strike the heart and are relevant to people of all ages. It reminds readers that imagination is a powerful force, one that can create whole new worlds, dreams, and possibilities. 100 Acre Wood and Pooh Bear’s adventures are, in-and-of-themselves, bedtime stories imagined by Christopher Robin’s parent.
The characters send another message about the power of love and friendship. This tight-knit family is composed of members who will always be there for one another in times of trouble, adventure, and joy. After reading about Pooh Bear and his friend’s stories, people reconfirm that family and friendship are not to be taken lightly. Family and friends will help people grow, learn, and become adults. They are a foundation to build from and a support system in case trouble appears.
Since its first publication in 1926, Winnie the Pooh has become a classic childhood name and remembered with fondness. The adventures Pooh Bear and his friends go on convey that friendship, family, and imagination are important at any point in a person’s life. The novel, while full of meaningful lessons, is also simply a story of friends and can be read as such. Readers can take joy in reminiscing about the innocence and delight of childhood. Even in the years to come, Winnie the Pooh will undoubtedly remain a prevailing story for children.