An Analysis of the Themes in the Novel Watership Down by Richard Adams Essay

Watership Down, a novel by Richard Adams has a theme centered on determination, courage, persistence, ingenuity and the positive consequences for such qualities in one's endeavors. There are many instances in the novel which support this, some of which will be mentioned. From the escapade from Sandleford warren to the victory over the Efrafan owsla, the renegade rabbits that formed the Watership Down warren proved themselves able to prevail over any sort of foe through acts of perseverance and iron will. A few illustrations of this include crossing the Elborne River, the liberation of the hutch rabbits, the flight from Efrafa and the battle for the Watership Down warren. The Elborne River, though nothing more than a mere stream to a human, was to a rabbit a vast river. This vast river was a formidable obstacle that represented a roadblock on the path to victory. The other rabbits in the group mostly feel that Fiver's intuition that tells them to cross is merely hogwash and do not want to cross. This does all change when Bigwig in a reconnaissance patrol, spots a loose dog in the wood and the rabbits all agree that crossing is the best plan of action. Yet with Pipkin injured and Fiver exhausted the exodus is brought to a virtual standstill. Yet because the group of wanderers refuse to give up and leave the pair behind, or because they refuse to all stay behind, the rabbits adopt unorthodox methods to cross the river as to cross to safety. The liberation of the hutch rabbits was essential to the growth of the warren. Without does to produce young, the warren would have no chance of survival. Hazel led the expedition to Nuthanger farm to liberate the rabbits despite the natural and unnatural dangers. There were dogs, cats, men with guns, holes, ditches, wires, and other hazards. Yet because of the importance of the mission, Hazel and his crew risked their lives...

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