The Fox and the Hound is not particularly surprising. Indeed, the Disney film begins with a scared fox running for her life through a forest, with her son dangling from her. She cannot avoid her inevitable fate—she is killed, but her child manages to escape. The (same) fox and the hound are Todd and Copper, who are the two protagonists of the 29th animation classic from Disney studios.
The story is apparently simple but full of overlooked complexities. Todd and Copper are childhood best friends but grew apart because of social constraints. It is often in ordinary stories that it is easier to spot and disclose hidden meanings and subtle messages.
While a simplistic interpretation could highlight how the two are the perfect representation of childhood friends who have to split because of differences in identity and social environment, there is much more to discuss in relation to these close pals—or we dare say, star-crossed lovers.
Coming-of-Age Story
As a starting point, it is important to classify The Fox and the Hound as a coming-of-age story. According to Kenneth Millard in Coming of Age in Contemporary American Fiction, the term ‘coming of age' is used to indicate the reaching of "full legal adult status.” Indeed, stories of formation are defined by a set of recurring themes like the death of a loved one and falling in love for the first time, but the central core is focused on young protagonists at the cusp of maturity.
As in the traditional Bildungsroman, The Fox and the Hound’s two protagonists go through the first phase of innocence in which they get to know each other and the new aspects of the world around them. Throughout the first act of the movie, the two characters are physical, roll over each other, and are not afraid to discuss their bond. They live without any responsibility or societal rule, but at the same time have to embrace their pre-established roles. Todd needs to start a family and find a female counterpart; Copper has to hunt foxes and fulfill his owner’s expectations. In these instances, they both abruptly lose their innocence. It is only a question of incompatibility that tears Todd and Copper apart, or is there a different angle to consider?
Star-Crossed Lovers
The Fox and the Hound presents similar tropes traceable to the Shakespearian classic Romeo and Juliet. Even if Todd and Copper care for each other, the viewer is aware that their bond will not survive time-related changes. As Big Mama tells Todd: “Darlin’ forever is a long, long time. And time has a way of changin’ things”.
Just as Romeo and Juliet were born to rival families, the animals come from two species that replicate the predator-prey dynamics—so they are destined to be enemies. Still, the representation of the two characters highlights the tenderness between them and does not conform to typical masculine stereotypes and interactions.
They have to perform a rite of passage to become grown-ups: they have to stop caring for one another. Copper becomes a hunting dog, and Todd finds a female mate. They are forced to create a distance from the queerness of their childhood, even if the movie hints at a bittersweet reconciliation that can expose the impossibility of choice amidst a turmoil of repressed emotions.
Standards of Masculinity
Indeed, with this new encounter, it is clear that Todd and Copper cannot be friends as before, not only because they are now adults but because they have to obey the social expectations of their society. There is no space for feelings or acknowledging their emotions. They are males who have to conform to masculinity standards and refuse to show any kind of empathy. They are trapped in what is defined as the “man box,” the social construction that forces adult males to shut down emotions.
As coded queer characters, Todd and Cooper are Disney’s Ennis and Jack. Like in Brokeback Mountain, their coded queer relationship is tragic because of the series of obstacles created by their environment. Still, the key elements of the tragic gay story are evident in the movie’s subtext. As with Ennis and Jack, the chemistry between Todd and Copper is evident.
They are forced apart by their environment, but they still care for one another and ultimately save each other by risking their lives. Even in the closing scene, there are hints at a possible hidden queer desire. While Todd nostalgically falls asleep, Copper watches him from a hill, remembering their oath to be friends forever. Copper’s partner comes to console him for his heartbreak.
In its epilogue, The Fox and the Hound confirms all its key characteristics. The bleak atmosphere persists, the coming of age story closes on a bittersweet note as many LGBTQ+ stories do. There is no clear resolution; Todd and Cooper have been victims of society and nature, which have run their course. Big Mama’s words resound in closing this impossible love story between two souls who have to accept their self-imposed differences as adults. The perfect conclusion for a queer story of self-actualization.
Get your copy of the 2-movie collection of The Fox and the Hound and The Fox and the Hound II by clicking here.
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See if the book is similar to the animated film by ordering The Fox and the Hound hardcover book.