Winnie-the-Pooh

“Once upon a time, a very long time ago now, about last Friday, Winnie-the-Pooh lived in a forest all by himself under the name of Sanders.

(‘What does “under the name” mean?’ asked Christopher Robin.

‘It means he had the name over the door in gold letters, and lived under it.’)”

These lines introduce the first story the narrator tells about Pooh’s adventures, and they set up the narrator’s humorous tone, as well as the format for future interjections from the narrator and the real-life Christopher Robin character. The reference to a long time ago being last Friday is both humorous and telling, depending on the audience. For young readers, last Friday may feel like a long time ago, but to adults, this comes across as humorous, establishing that these stories are appropriate for readers of any age. In addition, it hints that Pooh doesn’t have strong timekeeping abilities and that, to him, last Friday may feel like it was long ago. The parentheses indicate discussion that happens outside the frame of the story, and while these interruptions don’t come up often, they remind readers that these stories are being told both to them and to Christopher Robin.

“‘What do you want a balloon for?’ you said.

Winnie-the-Pooh looked round to see that nobody was listening, put his paw to his mouth, and said in a deep whisper: ‘Honey!’

‘But you don’t get honey with balloons!’

‘I do,’ said Pooh.”

In this exchange between Pooh and Christopher Robin, Pooh is plotting a way to get honey from the bees. This story is the only one in which the narrator refers to Christopher Robin as “you,” and this reminders readers that there are two Christopher Robins—the one in the stories and the one listening to the stories.