Peter and the Wolf - Story Summary

Characters Represented by Instruments

• Bird: High sounds of the flute
• Duck: Played by the oboe
• Cat: Played by the clarinet
• Wolf: Three horns
• Peter: String section
• Rifle Shots: Kettle drum and big drum

Story Overview

• Setting: Begins early one morning in a big green meadow.
• Main Characters: Peter, the bird, the duck, the cat, the wolf, and Peter's grandfather.

Story Events

Beginning

• Peter opens the gate and enters the meadow.
• A little bird, Peter’s friend, is sitting on a branch.
• The bird chirps about the quietness.

Duck's Entry

• A duck enters, glad the gate is open, and swims in the pond.
• The bird questions the duck's ability to fly. The duck questions the bird's ability to swim.
• Their playful argument begins.

The Cat's Arrival

• A cat sneaks through the grass, eyeing the bird.
• Peter warns the bird, causing it to fly up the tree.
• The duck quacks angrily from the pond.
• The cat contemplates climbing the tree but decides against it.

Grandfather's Warning

• Peter's grandfather warns about the danger of wolves.
• Despite the warning, Peter is not afraid.
• Grandfather leads Peter home and locks the gate.

Wolf's Entry

• A gray wolf emerges from the forest.
• The cat climbs the tree; the duck, in panic, jumps out of the pond.
• The wolf catches and swallows the duck.

Peter's Plan

• Peter watches from behind the gate.
• He retrieves a strong rope and climbs the wall to the tree.
• Directs the bird to distract the wolf.

Capturing the Wolf

• The bird distracts the wolf by flying around its head.
• Peter makes a lasso and catches the wolf by the tail.
• Wolf struggles, tightening the rope.

Hunters and Conclusion

• Hunters arrive, following the wolf’s trail.
• Peter and the bird ask them not to shoot, offering to take the wolf to the zoo.
• A triumphant procession follows, with Grandfather and the cat trailing.
• The bird celebrates their bravery.
• The duck is heard quacking from inside the wolf, having been swallowed alive.

Conclusion

• Moral: Demonstrates bravery, intelligence, and teamwork.