The animals' reactions to different situations in these stories are very telling. When an animal is scared, it might act impulsively, just like humans do. Also, the way animals interact with each other, whether they are friendly or hostile, can be related to how humans form social bonds and face conflicts. These stories use animals to show that human nature has both positive and negative aspects, such as kindness and greed, in a rather humorous and thought - provoking way.
They reflect human nature through the animals' behaviors. For example, the jealousies and rivalries among the animals can be seen as a mirror of human relationships.
In Thurber Animal Stories, the way animals pursue food or shelter is like how humans strive for resources. The animals' instincts are similar to human desires in a way. The simple - mindedness of some animals also represents the more basic, unrefined parts of human nature.
They reflect our fear of losing control. When a man turns into an animal in these stories, it shows that we are afraid of our primal instincts taking over. For example, in werewolf stories, the transformation represents the battle between civilized behavior and wild, animal - like urges.
Human sex stories can display our creativity. Some cultures have elaborate sexual myths and stories that involve unique sexual practices or relationships. This creativity in storytelling about sex can be seen as a way of exploring different aspects of our nature, from the physical to the spiritual.
Domination stories often show that humans have an inherent desire for power. For example, in stories where a character rises to dominate others, it reflects how some people are driven by ambition. In 'Macbeth', Macbeth's thirst for power and domination over the kingdom leads him to commit heinous acts. This shows that the allure of domination can override moral and ethical boundaries in human nature.
Candaulism stories can also speak to the idea of power dynamics. The king in the original story had power over his wife and used it in a wrong way. He thought he could control who saw her and how she was perceived. This shows how power can be misused in relationships, whether it's a relationship between a man and a woman or in a more general social context. It makes us think about how we should respect others' autonomy and not use our power to violate their rights.
Man against nature stories reflect human nature in multiple ways. Take 'Robinson Crusoe' for instance. His efforts to build a new life on the island despite the hardships show his adaptability. Also, the fear and respect for nature that characters in these stories exhibit are part of human nature. We are both in awe of nature's power and yet determined to make our mark. These stories also show our creativity in finding ways to survive against nature's challenges, like how Crusoe makes tools from the resources around him.
Inbred family stories can be a mirror of human nature in several ways. Firstly, it reveals our tendency to stick to the familiar. Inbred families often stay within their own small family group for mating because it's what they know. Secondly, it shows how we can be blind to potential harm. The members of inbred families may not fully understand or may choose to ignore the genetic risks they are exposing themselves and their descendants to. This can also be related to our capacity for denial. We sometimes deny the obvious negative consequences in order to maintain a certain way of life or family structure. Additionally, it can show how human nature can be influenced by social and cultural factors. In some cultures or communities, inbreeding may be more tolerated or even encouraged, which shows how our behavior is shaped by the society we live in.
Apocalyptic horror stories often show the extremes of human nature. In these situations, some people become selfish and will do anything to survive, like hoarding resources. For example, in 'The Day of the Triffids', some characters are only concerned with their own safety. But others show great kindness and self - sacrifice. In 'The Stand', there are characters who risk their lives to help others in the post - apocalyptic world. It shows that in the face of the end, human nature can be both dark and light.
When humans are compared to lions in stories, it reflects our desire for strength and leadership. The lion is often seen as the king of the jungle, so it shows that humans admire power. For example, a hero in a story might be described as having the qualities of a lion to show his noble and strong - willed nature.
The cold stories in Animal City might show that, despite its appearance of being a harmonious place for all animals, there are still inequalities. Just like in the story of the bullied mouse, it shows that the stronger animals can take advantage of the weaker ones, which reflects a certain level of unfairness in the city's social structure.
In addition, cyborg novels can show our desire for power and improvement. People in these novels might get cybernetic enhancements to gain an edge, whether it's physical strength or mental capabilities. This reflects how in real life, we're always looking for ways to better ourselves, whether through education or technology. However, these novels also warn about the potential consequences of going too far in the pursuit of improvement, such as losing our sense of self or creating a society divided between the enhanced and the non - enhanced.