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Stuart Little: Mouse or Human Boy?
13 Dec
Summary
- Stuart Little is not a mouse but a human boy in the original book.
- The character was inspired by a dream E.B. White had in 1926.
- Publishers initially questioned the book's reception due to blurred reality.
The endearing tale of Stuart Little, a white mouse adopted by the human Little family, has captivated audiences through films released in 1999, 2002, and 2006. Many fans fondly remember following the adventures of this small creature who seamlessly integrated into his adoptive home. However, a closer look at the story's origins reveals a significant departure from the cinematic portrayal.
E.B. White's original 1945 children's book introduces Stuart not as an adopted mouse, but as the "second son" of Mrs. Frederick C. Little, who "was not much bigger than a mouse." The book meticulously describes him with "a mouse's sharp nose, a mouse's tail, a mouse's whiskers, and the pleasant, shy manner of a mouse."
This core detail recently resurfaced, sparking surprise and debate online. White's inspiration for the character originated from a dream he had in 1926 while working at The New Yorker. Despite initial concerns from publishers about the blurring of fantasy and reality, White's vision persisted, though a colleague suggested adoption for Stuart to appease critical reception.
