Felicity Fox, also known as Mrs. Fox, deeply regrets marrying Mr. Fox primarily because his reckless and dangerous actions, specifically his decision to provoke the farmers, placed their family and the entire animal community in grave peril.
The Core of Her Disappointment
Felicity's heartbreak and subsequent regret stem from the severe consequences of Mr. Fox's overzealous desire to outsmart and steal from the human farmers—Boggis, Bunce, and Bean. While she initially might have admired his cunning, the situation escalated into a full-blown siege, trapping their family and friends underground with dwindling resources. Her concern for their children, especially given her own pregnancy, intensified her distress.
Ultimately, her regret is solidified when Mr. Fox acknowledges the profound error of his ways. He admits that his aggressive provocation of the farmers was wrong, as it directly endangered the lives of his family and everyone else around them. This admission highlights the gravity of his misjudgment and the basis for Felicity's sorrow over his choices.
The Escalation of Danger
Mr. Fox's repeated raids on the farmers' larders led to a retaliatory campaign that quickly became life-threatening. The farmers, driven to desperation, dug up the Foxes' home, forcing them and other underground animals into a desperate struggle for survival. This perilous situation encompassed:
- Loss of Home: Their comfortable burrow was destroyed, leaving them exposed.
- Food Scarcity: Trapped underground, they faced starvation.
- Constant Threat: The farmers remained vigilant, posing a continuous danger.
The weight of these dangers, directly attributable to Mr. Fox's actions, profoundly affected Felicity, leading to her heartfelt regret.
Key Reasons for Felicity's Regret
Felicity's regret can be summarized by several critical factors:
- Endangerment of Family: Mr. Fox's actions directly jeopardized the safety and lives of their children and herself.
- Community Peril: The entire underground animal community was put at risk due to his escalating provocations.
- Emotional Distress: The constant fear, hunger, and uncertainty caused immense stress and heartbreak for her.
- Acknowledgement of Wrongdoing: Mr. Fox's admission of his error underscored the severity of his decisions and the validity of her feelings.
