Animal Abuse Explored Through Water for Elephants

Summary

Thesis: Through plot and setting, the novel Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen demonstrates that, animals were treated cruelly because they were thought of as object for the entertainment of humans.

Quotes

Silver Stars injury Thought of as an object to turn a profit The show was more important Setting and Plot “They look fine to me” (pg. 75)

“Who the hell knows what's in that tent? If there’s nothing he wants, then fine. Who cares?” (pg. 119) Plot Disregard for the safety/well being of animals. Consequences of Uncle Al’s dispute with the Mayor.

“Pete stands with his arms slack at his side, his sleeves rolled up past his elbows still holding the blood knife. He watches the horse until it dies..” (pg. 140) Horses treated as multi- purpose objects They’re killing horses for meat Plot and Setting

“ Despite this, the distraught listeners could still make out the hollow thud of the bull hook hitting flesh again, and again and again.” (pg. 223) Rosie was used as a inanimate object for August to release his frustrations. Punishment for actions Plot

“I look up just as he flicks the cigarette. It arches through the air and lands in Rosie’s open mouth, sizzling as it hits the tongue.” (pg. 268) Rosie was used as an ashtray Plot August was angry

Visual Texts

How animals are treated is reflected in the way they act

Animal abuse leaves animals cowering in fear, all alone

Humans are like the animals’ puppet masters

Animals can experience emotions too

Animal abuse causes animals to experience both physical and emotional pain

Animals are often forced to do tricks and look happy, but they might not be The chains show the animals’ true sentiments

Even though an animal may seem ok, it might not be Irony between the lion’s colorful, happy make-up and the expression along with the dark atmosphere

Animals are worked to their breaking points in circuses Circuses, and even just animal abuse in general, leave an animal feeling broken and empty

Craft of Writing

‘“Its putrid. Surely the cats won’t eat this,” I continue. “Lets hope they do otherwise, we’ll have to make some hard decisions.” “Huh?” “We’re still a long way for Joliet, and alas we’re out of goats.”’ (pg. 84) Dialogue Foreshadowing

Imagery “Rex is considerably smaller than the tiger, with mats in his mane and ribs showing under his dull coat.” (pg. 85)

“August moves beside her, hovering with the silver-tipped cane rather than the bull hook.” (pg. 235) Symbolism

“She lifts the stake as though it weighs nothing and splits his head in a single clean movement –ponk- like cracking a hard boiled egg.” (pg. 309) Irony Simile

Poems