Hello everyone! Since it is September 8, it is time to go ahead and get our first discussion going. Sorry it's a bit late, but there were real life things I needed to get taken care of.
Anyway, I'll just post my own thoughts, then I'll let everyone else take it away.
I really loved the way setting plays a large part in the story. Richard Adams does a very good job describing a place, and then putting the rabbits within it. You get the impression that these were the types of things that he himself grew up with, and that what he's really describing is his own home.
The level of anthropomorphism is also something I find particularly interesting in this book. He gives the rabbits (as well as other animals) a culture, as well as a language, but at the same time, the rabbits aren't running around in clothing or trying to establish themselves as different or rebellious. Indeed, the rebellion that happens in the story (Hazel, Fiver, et. al running from the Sandleford Warren) is done only out of necessity, and not out of a mere desire for something more. They have human qualities, but very rabbit-like ones as well.
One thing's for certain: it's a somewhat darker book than you'd expect, considering it's about rabbits. It's not the Wind in the Willows--it's more a tale of survival and courage than anything else.
Mmkay, that's all I got for now. Have fun!
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8 comments:
Yay, we can finally discuss! I agree with Q that setting played a brilliant part, and it was described in a way reminiscent (to me at least, geek that I am) of Tolkien describing the landscapes of Middle-Earth. I also appreciate that the rabbits are allowed to be rabbits in as natural a habitat as possible despite talking and having a belief system. In fact, as an avid Redwall reader, I actually got annoyed on a few occasions at how much like real rabbits they behaved, like freezing when they were scared, or not being able to comprehend something that might help them save one another's lives. Thus far i admire Hazel for being willing to listen to his brother who everyone else considers crazy, and Fiver is curious to me. I can't wait to see what else he sees that the rest don't. Also, I read ahead probably far enough for the next section, so could we make the wait time a bit shorter, if it's ok with everyone? I'm a fast reader, and these sections went quickly.
What's the next section anyhow? And for when?
I agree with what everyone else said. It's amazing how quickly you come to truly care about the rabbits and wonder what's going to happen to them.
Okay, so I've given it some thought, and I think we could possibly stand to go faster.
Therefore, here is what I am proposing:
The next section, Chapters 12-17, will be read by Sunday, September 13.
Is that all right for everyone? Anyone want me to make it shorter? Longer?
I can do it, I read ahead and I think I'm done up to there now.
I'm still trying to wrangle a few people back to the blog (just been busy for folks - sorry about that). I think the reading schedule sounds fine. I've had a few things come up this past week, so I'm not quite caught up with this section yet (so I'll comment later), but I'll be all caught up in time for the next reading discussion (unless something else comes up...).
I really admire people who are imaginative enough to create a whole new culture, and Adams is one of them. Who knew rabbits could be so complex and interesting? The funny thing is, my 2 year-old just received a book with pictures of bunnies (Busy Bunnies), and now as I'm looking at the pictures I wonder what sort of dynamics the bunnies have amongst themselves. I'll never see rabbits the same again.
Fiver is a very interesting character, and I'm anxious to see how the story works around him.
I like how all the rabbits get along sometimes, and sometimes quarrel amongst themselves. It's realistic of human relationships, and since this is an anthropomorphic story, quite believable.
I have my degree in Zoology, and one of the areas of study I loved most was ecology. So I would love to know what aspects of rabbit life are scientifically observed, and which are created.
And the new reading schedule works great for me.
The new reading schedule works fine for me. Bring on the next discussion page Q!
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