The Complete Tales of Winnie-the-Pooh Allusions & Cultural References

When authors refer to other great works, people, and events, it’s usually not accidental. Put on your super-sleuth hat and figure out why.

Literary and Philosophical References

  • A brief retelling of the classic folktale "The Turnip" (Winnie-the-Pooh.2.74-77.)
  • Eeyore explains his depression: "Gaiety. Song-and-dance. Here we go round the mulberry bush." (Winnie-the-Pooh.6.11.). Later, he misquotes a variant of the traditional song, "Here we go gathering Nuts in May" by saying "gathering Nuts and May." (Winnie-the-Pooh.6.20). Eeyore also offers singing the song as a lively alternative to going on the "Expotition" in Chapter 8 (Winnie-the-Pooh.8.48).