Hello everyone! It is time, once again, for our discussion.
We had quite a bit going on in this particular section, but the upshot is that the warren needs does, neighboring warren Efrafa has them, and they will not be easily obtained. Efrafa is another example of clashing rabbit culture, as seen in its heavily militaristic attitude. The beginning of the book hinted at this, when the Sandleford warren's owsla was described as "rather military in character (though...not so military as some)." I wondered how likely a warren like Efrafa was to exist in real life; to me it seemed a bit beyond what rabbits could be cognitively capable of doing. The Marks in particular seemed to me to be a bit too methodical for a rabbit to come up with, whereas places like Cowslip's warren seemed a bit more realistic to me. However, it would not surprise me if different, real-life warrens were to adapt differently to different circumstances. I suppose it also wouldn't surprise me if rabbit kittens could be taught many different ways of life, and not just rely solely on instinct.
Of course, in real life rabbits probably also don't tell stories and have language, so I suppose a little bit more anthropomorphism isn't necessarily going to hurt.
Another theme played with in the section is the idea of domesticated rabbits. These rabbits are more often than not specifically bred for domesticity, which might mean that in real life they'd be too different to interact with wild species. In the context of the story, I would almost have imagined that the Nuthanger Farm rabbits would speak a similar but less comprehensible dialect of Lapine, if not speak a different language entirely. Still, it is good that we're getting some interaction between the two groups all the same.
For next time: Chapters 30-35 for Friday, October 2nd. This section is a bit longer, so if anyone wants me to extend the time by a day or two, just let me know. Also, the update probably won't come until evening, since I'll be working for most of the day that day, which hopefully will give everyone enough time to gather their thoughts.
'Till next time!
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I was amazed by the militaristic nature of the Efrafa warren, and how they treated even strangers, as though they'd go somewhere and tattle on them, as though the warren was some big secret. Seeing the way they handle things like feeding, you can't help but wonder how someone weak, like Fiver, could survive in such a warren, and how it could be overcrowded when they only get a chance to feed once a day and even have to skip a day if there's any kind of danger. That can't be necessarily conducive to breeding in a real world situation.
As for the Nuthanger farm rabbits, the domestic ones, I think Hazel was smart to try to get them, as there were does to be had, but it would be hard for domesticated rabbits to survive in the wild, so they'd be more of a headache than anything. Having to teach them how to trust their instincts, having to prod them along and overpower their compulsion to freeze in a high-pressure situation...I honestly am not sure if they'll survive outside their hutch.
I am one chapter shy of completing the reading for this section, but I'll comment all the same (I got online to check how far to read and saw I was almost there, so yay, just about caught up).
So...Efrafa. I love the word that Adams chose for this warren. It's got a really unique and really cool name - Efrafa. Too bad it's such a scary place!
The main thing I thought about as I read these latest chapters this evening was how far removed I am from nature. And, I don't know why that should be. I live in the middle of a forest, being in Flagstaff, but still, I'm so removed from nature in a way. Maybe my life is just so busy and I need to recognize that it's okay to stop and smell the roses a little more often than I do. Or maybe I'm too caught up in the modernization of our society where I really don't pay attention to the different birds and insects that visit my yard as much as I should. But, reading these chapters and all the descriptions about the different animals and the different vegetation and the different smells...it made me realize that maybe I should be a little more aware of my own environment. Just my thoughts on that. I like the environmental aspects that this novel presents.
Which brings me to my other thought. While reading Holly's recounting, he mentioned the 'white blindness', which has been mentioned a few times in earlier chapters. I decided to look it up since while I understood it was a disease that plagued the rabbits, I didn't know any specifics. Apparently, it's a virus that can cause conjunctivitis, which is probably where Adams came up with the name that his rabbits use for it (the disease is called myxomatosis). The disease can also cause the rabbits to lose their appetites, develop fevers and other infections like pneumonia. The disease appears to be a method used by man to control rabbit populations, but in some places, it has nearly decimated those populations, which in turn has affected other species that rely on rabbits for their food and so on.
So, thinking about this disease, I thought about how it relates back to how man is depicted in the novel. Man is shown to be self-interested, cruel, and maybe even unaware of the extent of the cruelty he inflicts on the rabbits and maybe even nature in general. I like that in recent years, we've become a lot more aware of man's impact on the earth, working on curtailing our pollution, reducing our consumption, and recycling more of what we use so that we can reuse. It doesn't hurt to get another reminder that we do need to be wise stewards of this planet, and that includes the animals, and as cheesy as it sounds, the cycle/circle of life (cue Lion King and Elton John). Anyway, those are my thoughts. I'm not on any soapbox or anything like that. But, I do think that Watership Down presents some environmental themes.
I've enjoyed reading the comments and insights so far.
I don't remember who made the comment earlier about how the different warrens could represent different societies and political situation, but Efrarfa got me asking some questions along those lines. Like:
How willing are we to give up all our freedom to be guaranteed safety? Is life even worth living without the freedoms to do as we please? Isn't it the day to day struggles that keep life interesting, if maybe a bit stressful? I would imagine that the majority of people would prefer their freedom and take the risks. With the exception of dictators who feel they know what is best for the general populace and have way to much power. How did their situation become as rigid as it did? Slowly but surely? Or was it a slippery slope once it started happening?
What I love about this section is that it reveals Adams' true ability as a storyteller. There we are, worried sick about Hazel, when we're suddenly jerked back to hear Holly's story of the life in Efrafa. Both stories are intriguing leaving us wanting more. We're pulled along and don't even stop to consider that we're reading about rabbits! It sounds like it should be a little kid story but it's really not. It's hard to tell other adults about this book, in fact almost impossible, unless they already know that you are a reliable source for good books.
I think it's a good lesson to keep an open mind when people recommend books to you. Sometimes you'll like what they recommend, sometimes you won't, but either way, I think it's a win-win situation because it's always good to get out of your "comfort" zone and try something new. I know that I appreciate it when people take my recommendations seriously. :)
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