The Borrowers

The solidarity of the family unit is one of the central themes at work in The Borrowers, for until they meet the boy, Pod, Homily, and Arrietty have no one to rely on but each other. Each member of the family has their own flaws, but they are consistently loving and supportive of each other. For example, although Pod is highly cautious after what happened to his brother’s family, he quickly recognizes Arrietty’s need to get out of the house and supports his wife’s decision to let her accompany him on his borrowing missions. Homily, meanwhile, has a tendency to worry and become agitated when Arrietty or Pod does something that she perceives to be foolish, but she is quick to forgive them as they all realize that they are in a tough situation together. Although Arrietty often resents her parents for not allowing her to live a free life, she appreciates the love they show her and the concern they have for her safety. This dynamic first becomes apparent when Arrietty meets up with Pod after her encounter with the boy. Although the boy is not harmful, she feels a constant sense of nervousness in his presence that she does not experience in the presence of her family, for unlike with Pod or Homily (or indeed, any other Borrower), she does not know anything about his human boy and has no guarantee that he will not choose to reveal her family’s presence to  more malicious humans.