Animality And Vulnerability In Literature And Film: Exploring the Intricacies of Our Animalistic Nature and Fragility

Human beings have always been intrigued by the coexistence of their animalistic nature and their vulnerability. This fascinating dichotomy has found its way into literature and film, providing a rich tapestry for exploring our deepest fears, desires, and connections with the natural world. In this article, we delve into the complex relationship between animality and vulnerability, examining its portrayal in various literary works and cinematic masterpieces. Join us on this captivating journey as we unearth the profound truths hidden within these art forms.

The Animalistic Nature: Instincts and Desires

The first aspect to ponder is our animalistic nature, characterized by our instincts and desires. Literature and film often depict characters who tap into their primal instincts, revealing a side of them that is deeply connected to the natural world. For example, in George Orwell's masterpiece "Animal Farm," the animals' rebellion against human oppression showcases the innate desire for freedom and autonomy, inherent in both humans and animals alike. Likewise, in Jack London's "The Call of the Wild," the protagonist Buck discovers his true self as he embraces his wild instincts and adapts to the harsh reality of the Alaskan wilderness.

Creaturely Poetics: Animality and Vulnerability in Literature and Film

by Anat Pick (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	23432 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	266 pages

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Similarly, in film, the theme of animality is explored through compelling visuals and storytelling techniques. One such example is the movie "Mad Max: Fury Road," where the characters' intense survival instincts and animal-like behavior in a post-apocalyptic world serve as a metaphor for the raw essence of humanity. The film reinforces the idea that within each of us, there is an untamed and primitive side that we must confront.

The Fragility of Existence: Vulnerability Explored

On the other hand, vulnerability is a central theme that resonates deeply with audiences. Literature and film alike emphasize the human condition of fragility, forcing us to confront our mortality and limitations. In Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis," the protagonist wakes up one morning transformed into a giant insect, starkly highlighting the vulnerability and helplessness inherent in our lives. This astonishing portrayal of vulnerability allows readers to contemplate the fragile aspect of their own existence.

In the realm of film, auteurs have masterfully portrayed vulnerability through various cinematic techniques. One such poignant example is Pedro Almodóvar's "Talk to Her," a narrative that explores the profound vulnerability of human emotions and the fragility of life itself. The film challenges societal norms and showcases the innate susceptibility that connects us all on a deeply human level.

Mutual Existence: The Intertwining of Animality and Vulnerability

As we delve deeper into the realm of literature and film, we begin to uncover the beautiful interplay between animality and vulnerability. Our animalistic nature and our vulnerability are not mutually exclusive but rather intricately interconnected aspects of our existence. They often manifest simultaneously in the experiences and struggles of characters, offering a profound reflection on the human condition.

Take, for instance, Yann Martel's internationally acclaimed novel "Life of Pi." In this captivating story, the protagonist Pi finds himself stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger. This extraordinary encounter explores both the animality of the tiger and the vulnerability of Pi as they navigate through treacherous waters. The novel beautifully encapsulates the intertwined nature of our primal instincts and our fragility, reminding us that they are two sides of the same coin.

Similarly, in the film "The Shape of Water" directed by Guillermo del Toro, the unconventional love story between a mute woman and a humanoid sea creature examines the delicate balance between animality and vulnerability. In this mesmerizing cinematic exploration, the creature's animalistic nature and the woman's vulnerability merge, transcending societal expectations and highlighting the beauty in embracing our true selves.

As we conclude our journey through the realms of literature and film, it becomes evident that animality and vulnerability are two vital aspects of the human experience. They provide windows into our complex nature, forcing us to confront our instincts, desires, and fragility. Through the lens of art, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

So, immerse yourself in the rich narratives of literature and film, as they allow us to explore the intricacies of our animality and vulnerability. Embrace your animalistic instincts and acknowledge your vulnerabilities, for they both contribute to the beauty and depth of the human spirit.

Creaturely Poetics: Animality and Vulnerability in Literature and Film

by Anat Pick (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	23432 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	266 pages

FREE

Simone Weil once wrote that "the vulnerability of precious things is beautiful because vulnerability is a mark of existence," establishing a relationship between vulnerability, beauty, and existence transcending the separation of species. Her conception of a radical ethics and aesthetics could be characterized as a new poetics of species, forcing a rethinking of the body's significance, both human and animal. Exploring the "logic of flesh" and the use of the body to mark species identity, Anat Pick reimagines a poetics that begins with the vulnerability of bodies, not the omnipotence of thought. Pick proposes a "creaturely" approach based on the shared embodiedness of humans and animals and a postsecular perspective on human-animal relations. She turns to literature, film, and other cultural texts, challenging the familiar inventory of the human: consciousness, language, morality, and dignity. Reintroducing Weil's elaboration of such themes as witnessing, commemoration, and collective memory, Pick identifies the animal within all humans, emphasizing the corporeal and its issues of power and freedom. In her poetics of the creaturely, powerlessness is the point at which aesthetic and ethical thinking must begin.