Chimpanzees

In all three Parts of the book, and in the thematic perspective of the book as a whole, the presence of a chimpanzee represents the power and value of animal nature, of compassion, and of humanity's ability to both transform and transcend death.

In each of the novel's three parts, a chimpanzee plays important roles in both the story and the development of theme. Those roles are most prominent in Part 3, in which a chimpanzee is arguably a key antagonist: Odo, whose presence and actions trigger significant transformation in protagonist Peter. In Part 2, a chimpanzee is discovered during the dream-like autopsy performed by protagonist Eusebio on Rafael Castro; in Part 1 protagonist Tomas discovers that the figure of Christ on the Crucifix he has traveled hundreds of miles to find has been given the shape and proportions of a chimpanzee.

Weeping

Another symbolic element that appears in...