It has everything from Shakespeare to the Bible. Richard Adams’ Watership Down, an epic tale of a rabbit leading the members of his warren away from an unseen danger, combines an easy reading level with a in-depth development of characters to make a book that is hard to put down. Poetry buffs can also find redeeming aspects to this novel. Adams’ use of poems and excerpts from literature as prologue is a nice change — especially considering there are 50 chapters and an epilogue. The best use of the excerpts is to let the reader know what happens without reading the chapter. Perhaps the most redeeming quality of this book is its social commentary on conformity and blind obedience. Both themes are present throughout the entire novel, starting with Hazel’s attempt to convince the Oswal (or elders) that the warren should move. Most of the rabbits stayed because they were comfortable where they were. Those that followed Hazel did so on blind faith alone with no evidence or good reason to do so. This continued as the other rabbits followed Hazel from one new found warren to another, trusting without question Hazel’s judgment, and conforming to the will of Hazel as their new found leader. The book shows the importance of thinking for yourself. There is much to be said for for making your own decisions. Having a free will is a God given gift that should not thrown away by blindly following the whims of others. If you’re looking for a novel that combines the best of the literary world with easy reading, a captivating plot and great character development, give Watership Down a shot. |
