- Published: September 13, 2022
- Updated: September 13, 2022
- University / College: University of Glasgow
- Language: English
- Downloads: 40
Literature Review of War Horse
Nearly the winner of the Whitbread Book Prize in 1982, War Horse is a fantastic story of the horse’s bravery and devotion. The intent of this literary evaluation is to present the themes of the novel War Horse and explain how they brought the story to life in War, Horses and Human Nature. War is the central theme throughout the novel that brings a vast amount of conflict. The Horse and narrator of the story is a compelling way to show human compassion and love on a level that is profoundly human. Therefore, Human Nature abounds in the development of the story and how profoundly a horse affects the lives of so many throughout a war. War Horse is the story of a horse, with human nature, compassion and people skills; a story that compels us to take a second look at humans and animals, as well as their relationships, love and devotion.
The dangers of war are nicely explained by the writer, through the eyes of Joey. In spite of being badly ignored at occasions, the young horse talks of knowing how distressed and damaged the guys are who can’t seem to get the time or empathy to take care of him as they ought to. Morpurgo writes well from the standpoint of the young horse, aptly describing the levels and levels in a period of manmade dread. The youthful reader is launched to the disasters of war but is handled to a necessary finish for this hero of the war mount.
Horse Theme
In this story, the general audience are faced with two different views of horses. For example, when two characters enter a related discussion about the ideals (or absence thereof) of horses. One states that horses ” personify all that guys attempt to get and never may be” (143); the other surfaces they are simple animals ” controlled with a really small mind that cannot believe beyond foods and beverage”(143). If you believe about this, the same arguments could be produced for lots of folks, also–particularly people at battle. Whether gift or private, war can alter individuals, offering the greatest or worst in them. Whatever side of this argument you end up on, something is for certain: the horses in this guide make us query our own individual nature.
Human Nature Theme
The theme of Human Nature is most presented in Chapter Ten of War Horse. Joey and Topthorn continue carrying the injured from the top line towards the clinic all through that summer and autumn. Although their excursions back and out are difficult and frequently frightening, for the most part the horses are joyful; the troopers are type and appreciative toward them. At the conclusion of every day, the young girl, whose title is Emilie, and her grandpa are awaiting them by the secure door. The aged man and the kid are responsible of looking after your horses once the day is completed, and they execute their jobs with gentleness and faithfulness. Emilie, ” a miniature, weak creature,” becomes notably connected to Joey and Topthorn. In the nights, she leads them about the plantation with self-confidence and discussions to them companionably. Her grandpa tearfully tells Joey and Topthorn the beloved child is ill with pneumonia and the physician doesn’t know whether she’ll live. Emilie prays each evening for her dead dad, mom, and buddy, all murdered in the battle—and for Joey. The fact that this child would rather pray for the safety of a horse, than her own health compels us to wonder if humans can really love animals just as they do other humans.
In conclusion, this was a beautifully written story that compels the general audience to think very hard about what makes us, as humans, love animals. Why do they take such a giant piece of our hearts and make us be ‘ better’ human beings. The themes presented in this story help us understand just what it means to have a ‘ best friend’ in trials and tribulations, and just what love really means.
Works Cited
Morpurgo, Michael. War Horse. New York: Scholastic Press, 2007. Print.
“ Michael Morpurgo War Horse”. Harper Collins. Web. 23 July 2013.