The Lives of Animals

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1999

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Summary

Background

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Introduction-Part 1

Part 2

Reflections 1-4

Character Analysis

Key Figures

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

Examine the relationship between Elizabeth and Norma. How do they interact with each other? How do they view each other? Why do they not get along?

Analyze The Lives of Animals as an allegory. How do the scenes of the text function differently when read as an allegory for the importance of literature? What is the relationship between humans and animals an allegory for?

Discuss the analogy between the Holocaust and animal cruelty. Is it an accurate analogy? Why or why not? Does this analogy have any basis in the novel’s themes, literary allusions, or symbols and motifs?