Summary:
Watership Down by Richard Adams provides many lessons about the proper functioning and survival of a group. It seems surprising that a warren of rabbits can teach humans something about life but some of the messages of the book may prove otherwise. It is about a band of rabbits on an expedition for a new-warren. It portrays the journey that develops a leader, which is one important piece of a newly formed society
Watership Down by Richard Adams provides many lessons about the proper functioning and survival of a group. It seems surprising that a warren of rabbits can teach humans something about life but some of the messages of the book may prove otherwise. It is about a band of rabbits on an expedition for a new-warren. It portrays the journey that develops a leader, which is one important piece of a newly formed society. It also demonstrates the necessary for equality, teamwork and some type of political structure for the community to function well. From co-operation, come the ability for the team to work together, to use resourcefulness in times or situations of adversity. Although can these wild rabbits actually teach us anything meaningful"
Initially a community especially a recently formed one requires some type of leader to guide it. The story shows a newly formed warren with a leader that rose up and had been directing them from the beginning of its adventure. Hazel was the chief-rabbit of this warren and he was certainly not the most intelligent nor the strongest of the bunch. "Frithrah you're what I call a Chief Rabbit.".."Well-done Hazel-rah.' said Buckthorn. (Adams. 1972: 67). It teaches us that an ideal leader does not have to be perfect in all ways. The position only requires the one with the most suitable qualities such as wisdom and courage also the abilities to direct and command others.
'Hazel...With Fiver beside him...and the little band of rabbits...he led the way down
the ditch and down the slope...Hazel...was not sure whether they were safely away.'
(Adams. 1972: 33-34)
Now although a leader is essential for a community there are definitely other vital factors also crucial for the continued function of it. For instance instead of having one figure appointed with absolute power, others can be given authority positions, which helps maintain order plus equality.
The story also illustrates the importance of a political structure to have peace and equality amongst the group and also the need to recognise each individual for their own talents. In comparison to other warrens, Watership Down was unique because in it, each rabbits' opinions were heard and respected so as to keep everyone at peace and provide equality. This allowed for better communication amongst the group and hence formed co-operation. In addition no one was forced to do things they did not wish to do.
"Shall we mate with whom we choose and dig our own burrows and bear our litters
alive".".."You shall and tell stories in the honeycomb and silflay whenever you like
it. It's a fine life."
(Adams. 1972: 336).
Another notable lesson this warren teaches is the importance of having a variety of power figures instead of being dominated by creatures with brute strength. The warren recognised the strongest but also the intelligent one, the experienced one, the wise one and the forecaster as some of the rabbits to contribute to decisions made on behalf of the group.
'There was no more questioning of bigwig's strength, Fiver's insight, Blackberry's
wits or Hazel's authority...When the rats came...Bigwig stood their ground...Hazel
had said that there was nothing for it but to cross the open pasture and under Silver's
direction they had...When Fiver said the iron tree was harmless they believed him...'
(Adams. 1972: 131)
This warren's ability to co-operate and communicate well, benefited in another way, it developed into teamwork.
Teamwork is a vital quality for a recently established community and the Watership Down warren definitely possessed it. From the beginning of their journey, the rabbits worked together to overcome obstacles. Whether it was helping everyone cross a river or building a warren from scratch, teamwork existed between them all. Even the leader and other authority figures, worked amongst the group when tasks called on them.
'Hazel contented himself with organising the diggers and left it to Strawberry to say
what was actually to be done. The work went on in shifts and the rabbits took it in
turns to feed, play and lie in the sun above ground.'
(Adams. 1972: 152).
An essential lesson given is that without teamwork a society will crumble and obstacles will not be overcome. A group that possesses teamwork will be able to muster a gift like resourcefulness.
A team that is strong in all aspects can in times of trouble use resourcefulness to deal with the situation and escape safely. The Watership Down warren did this to meet the difficulties it faced. 'Hazel and Fiver and several more. They are cunning and resourceful.' (Adams. 1972: 332). It is another lesson provided by the story that during tough moments a group can put their thoughts together to find a solution or tackle a problem. Unusual ideas put together can form a plan.
"The rope goes round that metal thing where Hazel's sitting: and the other end's fixed
on the bank here.".."Don't you see? We bite the rope and off we go: and General
Woundwort doesn't know!.".."I must say Blackberry, you're a clever fellow. I remember
now that after we'd crossed that other river, you said that that floating trick might come
in handy again sometime."
(Adams. 1972: 307-8)
When danger is imminent or problems keep arising to a group, resourcefulness is needed. It is more difficult for an individual to muster it compared to a group working together. It along with the other lessons taught by the story are valuable ones.
Watership Down quite clearly offers many insights into the life of a well-balanced community. It may just appear, as a story of the lives of rabbits except it actually seems to be a metaphor for humans. It demonstrates some of the important foundations a community vitally requires. Without leadership the group will have no real direction or decisions made. Without some type of authority structure the leader will not make the wisest decisions and may become arrogant with power. Without team work there will be constant arguments and nothing will be produced. Without resourcefulness the group would be stuck in tough situations and would not survive independently. All these aspects tie in together. And as for human communities, these ideas will hopefully be reflected in our society if not at present times then perhaps in the not too distant future.
This is the complete article, containing 1,012 words
(approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page).
