Literary Analysis of Animal Dreams
Literature holds the capacity to reveal larger truths about the human condition that hold substantial benefit to readers from all backgrounds; the practice of daily reading and broadening one’s perspective regarding critical issues facing the planet and the larger human community is a prerequisite to the development of society. Barbara Kingsolver’s novel Animal Dreams holds symbolic meaning with regards to a variety of topics, amongst which include the differences in perception of the physical environment in different cultures, citizen-based activism on issues pertinent to society, and the utility of an individual having a central mission in their lives that form the basis for their actions. Kingsolver’s genius throughout the course of the novel is centered around the ability to unveil a narrative from different perspectives, causing the reader to absorb the plotline and its central message from differing angles.
For example, the deeply reflective perspective displayed by Codi throughout the course of the novel reveals to the reader that one can derive personal meaning and purpose in life through being active on issues more important than oneself, such as solving a pending environmental crisis/correcting a series of actions (ex: pollution) that is of detriment to society. Additionally, the novel and its central themes of ecology and citizen activism is parallel to their society and the issues that are at the forefront of political debate; the specter of pollution and the unstable/unpredictable weather patterns that arise as a result represents the culmination of decades of negligence from the western world on the topic of ecology.
The author of the novel [Kingsolver] uses the various themes of the novel, in conjunction with the shifting of perspectives to different characters, to connect the search for self-discovery with global issues that are of significance to contemporary society. The task of finding oneself is a function of contributions to the world and causes that are bigger than any individual; the carefully thought-out setting of an agricultural community that is being decimated, along with the occupations of the novel’s main characters (ex: Codi teaches Biology at a local high school) is intended to promote Kingsolver’s central message of self-discovery and environmental conservation.
Regarding the novel’s theme of properly educating the reader on differences in the treatment of the physical environment between different cultures (specifically between the Native American community and larger western civilization), the carefully selected setting of an agricultural village that holds the capacity to feel the immediate effects of pollution/environmental serves to highlight the differences in treatment of the environment in different cultures. Unlike modern-day western civilization, the correlation between the physical land and the degree to which the people can survive/afford the necessities of life provides ample reasoning for why Native American cultures are more responsive to matters related to the treatment of the environment. Kingsolver is attempting to convey to the reader, because of her own personal beliefs/values, that contemporary society must take collective action to save the physical environment from the most damaging effects of global warming.
Additionally, Codi’s initial training as a medical doctor and occupation as a Biology teacher at the setting in which the plotline unfolds serves the carefully coordinated purpose of providing the reader with an in-depth account of the dangers of pollution and the harm of the physical environment. The practice of symbolism through both the novel’s setting and in-depth details (such as the occupation of the protagonist) is used by Kingsolver to advance the plotline and the primary theme of the work, which is to educate the reader on the dangers of environmental neglect and the importance of finding oneself through activism. Related attempts by the author to educate readers on the importance of ecology is a difficult task in that fictional characters and scenes of the work are used to send a message that deals with issues that are the subject of a political debate; Kingsolver provides an effective/useful remedy for the political dynamics of environmental conservation through the topic of fertility.
The connection between fertility/reproduction with ecology/environmental conservation throughout the duration of the novel attempts to reconcile the hardship characters have faced with the realities of the current physical environment; for example, Codi’s incapacity to experience being a mother is parallel to the pending disasters of environmental mistreatment in that fertility is a function of the environment. It is a commonly-held/fundamental truth that fertility is essential to the continuation of society (no matter where anyone lies on the political spectrum) and is a topic that holds unanimous consensus and is independent of political debate.
With reference to the theme of self-discovery and finding oneself, the life story of the novel’s protagonist [Codi] and her struggles with identity serve to connect the reader with the plotline of the work through common connection; the experience of feeling one has not lived up to his/her fullest potential is common in most human-beings, and the trail of disappointment and belonging felt by Codi only serves to enhance that connection. For example, Codi’s initial aspiration to become a medical doctor did not come to fruition, leaving the novel’s protagonist with a longing for purpose and central mission to devote her life to. This previously-mentioned quest for self-discovery serves as the catalyst for Codi’s return to the town of her upbringing [Grace, Arizona] and related attempts to reconcile the insecurities of her past; for example, Codi’s failure to become a medical doctor and memories of being a social outcast throughout her formative years serves to provide a human-based element to the plotline of the novel.
Kingsolver’s carefully-coordinated establishment of the novel’s protagonist as an insecure individual serve to relay the message that one can change their perspective and alter the beliefs/attitudes that have shaped their thought-process to that point. For example, throughout the unfolding of the plot other characters such as Lloyd attempt to connect the past with the present/ ignite a sense of rediscovery and identity that is absent in Codi. Following Codi’s return to Grace, Arizona, Lloyd purposefully surrounds Codi with the cultural/physical landscape of the community to trace the protagonist[Codi] back to the roots of her upbringing. Additionally, the correlation between the physical wonders of the Native American community and Codi’s desire for self-discovery is brilliantly implemented by the author[Kingsolver]as a tool for conveying the central theme of finding oneself through dedication to causes that are more significant than any individual.
Lastly, it is significant to establish that the novel Animal Dreams serves as a ‘call-to-action’ for the readers and can be interpreted as a medium for which the author[Kingsolver]promotes her political/societal beliefs. Kingsolver believes that the contemporary issue of pollution and the associated desecration of the environment is a dangerous challenge for all generations of humanity and must be conquered with immediate/swift action; the unity of citizens in pursuit of a common cause is a powerful theme throughout the novel and forms the basis for the author’s central message. It is increasingly self-evident as you move through the plotline in the book that the characters of the work view themselves as one with the surrounding physical environment; therefore, any attempt by the business community to cause immediate/long-term damage to such an environment is interpreted as an attack on their community and families.
Codi’s involvement in the local environmental conservation movement is a natural function to her reconnection with the community she had previously abandoned for an extended interval of time (largely as a result from her deep-seeded insecurities). Additionally, the previously-mentioned setting of a close-knit agricultural community that is deeply dependent upon one another to enact meaningful change is another example of the author conveying the message that citizen-based activism is of critical importance within society. The greatest lesson/revelation that Codi learned throughout the progression of the novel was that family and the larger community are an essential ingredient to successful activism and the discovery of the self; it is abundantly clear through numerous examples within the text that Kingsolver values the concept of activism and using a community of people to advance a certain set of ideals/values for the greater good.
After considering the several themes of Animal Dreams by Barbara Kingsolver, which include cultural differences in treatment of the environment, the long-term process of self-discovery, and the significance of community-based activism, the greatest lesson of the novel is that human-beings have the capacity to enact meaningful/note-worth change while simultaneously altering their own respective lives in a positive manner. Codi’s transition into an activist who developed a clearer understanding of her role in her community provides insight into personal life-experiences of the readers of this novel. The current damage which has been inflicted upon the environment under the guise of ‘western modernization’ and technological advancement is unsustainable and a danger to future generations of the planet; it is the responsibility of us citizens/the global community to implement change that will bring about a resolution to the pending crisis of pollution and global warming.