The novel, Water for Elephants include a number of major themes, here are 5 of the most evident themes seen throughout the novel.
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The Theme of Love
Love is the most evident theme throughout the novel. Love is displayed in a variety of forms, from the love Jacob has for Marlena to the love Jacob shares for the animals on the circus. Jacob fell in love with Marlena the moment he laid eyes on her and although she's married he would do anything to protect her. Jacob proves this when he fights August for Marlena's well being. The love for animals in shown through the way Jacob cares for all the animals on the circus. Near the end of the novel Rosie is about to be transported to another circus until Jacob lies to keep her. Although Jacob is broke, homeless and has a baby on the way he adopts Rosie out of love.
Love is the most evident theme throughout the novel. Love is displayed in a variety of forms, from the love Jacob has for Marlena to the love Jacob shares for the animals on the circus. Jacob fell in love with Marlena the moment he laid eyes on her and although she's married he would do anything to protect her. Jacob proves this when he fights August for Marlena's well being. The love for animals in shown through the way Jacob cares for all the animals on the circus. Near the end of the novel Rosie is about to be transported to another circus until Jacob lies to keep her. Although Jacob is broke, homeless and has a baby on the way he adopts Rosie out of love.
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The Theme of Courage
Courage is the second theme in the novel. Each character is fighting their own personal battle and is struggling to overcome it. Through a long learning experience each character learns that courage is the key that sets them free from their past. The biggest act of courage in the novel is pursued by the main character, Jacob Jankowski. Early in the novel, readers learn that Jacob's life is on a downwards spiral and there's nothing he can do to stop it. Feeling lost and desperate Jacob jumps aboard a moving train in hopes of a new life. The unknown train could have brought Jacob no where but his courageous act landed him on the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth, the country's most successful circus.
Courage is the second theme in the novel. Each character is fighting their own personal battle and is struggling to overcome it. Through a long learning experience each character learns that courage is the key that sets them free from their past. The biggest act of courage in the novel is pursued by the main character, Jacob Jankowski. Early in the novel, readers learn that Jacob's life is on a downwards spiral and there's nothing he can do to stop it. Feeling lost and desperate Jacob jumps aboard a moving train in hopes of a new life. The unknown train could have brought Jacob no where but his courageous act landed him on the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth, the country's most successful circus.
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The Theme of Abuse
The theme of abuse is extremely evident throughout the novel. Abuse was displayed to many characters, including Rosie and Jacob. August uses abuse as means of getting someone to do what he wants. When August first works with Rosie he has trouble getting her to cooperate and physically abuses her as a form of punishment. Although this is wrong, August continues to abuse people on the circus, like Jacob. Augusts begins to take notice that Jacob and Marlena are becoming close which causes his anger and jealousy to grow. As a way of letting Jacob know that August doesn't approve of him talking to his wife August fights Jacob leaving him bruised and hurt. August's act of abuse are wrong and evident throughout the novel.
The theme of abuse is extremely evident throughout the novel. Abuse was displayed to many characters, including Rosie and Jacob. August uses abuse as means of getting someone to do what he wants. When August first works with Rosie he has trouble getting her to cooperate and physically abuses her as a form of punishment. Although this is wrong, August continues to abuse people on the circus, like Jacob. Augusts begins to take notice that Jacob and Marlena are becoming close which causes his anger and jealousy to grow. As a way of letting Jacob know that August doesn't approve of him talking to his wife August fights Jacob leaving him bruised and hurt. August's act of abuse are wrong and evident throughout the novel.
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The Theme of Suffering
The theme of suffering runs through the novel from beginning to the end. In order to get people to work hard the novel takes place in the 1930's, right in the middle of The Great Depression, food is scarce and making money is critical. In order to make ends meet, Uncle Al, frequently relies on " Red lighting". Red lighting is the act of throwing a person off the moving train to their death so the circus can keep their hard-earned money. Suffering makes life harder for characters but as a result, it pushes them to work harder.
The theme of suffering runs through the novel from beginning to the end. In order to get people to work hard the novel takes place in the 1930's, right in the middle of The Great Depression, food is scarce and making money is critical. In order to make ends meet, Uncle Al, frequently relies on " Red lighting". Red lighting is the act of throwing a person off the moving train to their death so the circus can keep their hard-earned money. Suffering makes life harder for characters but as a result, it pushes them to work harder.
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The Theme of Age
The theme of age if the fifth theme in the novel. The Author, Sara Gruen allows readers to read the book from two perspectives, one from young Jacob and the other from older present-day Jacob. Young Jacob is able to do whatever his heart desires including, jumping on moving trains and fighting for the women he loves. Years Later at age 93, Jacob still has a burning passion for the circus but his body is not as strong as it once was. Although his body isn't the same he doesn't let this stop him from seeing the circus that's in town for the weekend. Jacob sneaks out the his nursing home knowing that he could risk getting caught or injury on the way. Fortunately, Jacob makes it to his destination safely and happy as ever. Jacob proves that age doesn't define you.
The theme of age if the fifth theme in the novel. The Author, Sara Gruen allows readers to read the book from two perspectives, one from young Jacob and the other from older present-day Jacob. Young Jacob is able to do whatever his heart desires including, jumping on moving trains and fighting for the women he loves. Years Later at age 93, Jacob still has a burning passion for the circus but his body is not as strong as it once was. Although his body isn't the same he doesn't let this stop him from seeing the circus that's in town for the weekend. Jacob sneaks out the his nursing home knowing that he could risk getting caught or injury on the way. Fortunately, Jacob makes it to his destination safely and happy as ever. Jacob proves that age doesn't define you.