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Beautiful,
Inspiring,
Insightful

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The Animals

by Richard Grossman

Published: 1990-10-01
Hardcover : 0 pages

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Introduction

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Discussion Questions

1) Humans tend to think of themselves as the wisest of beings, but the other creatures on the planet probably have a different point of view. Have these animals shown themselves to be wiser than humans? More foolish? Have any of their poems changed your take on the commonly held perception of “dumb” animals?
2) One of the objectives of poetry is to present the reader with situations he or she has never faced, in order to suggest entirely new ways of thinking. Was The Animals successful in this task? Were you able to put yourself in their places and see a fresh world through their eyes?
3) The shepherd talks about the universal themes of life, while each animal describes the lessons he or she has learned. Yet in the end are the animals’ viewpoints significantly different from the shepherd’s? If so, in what ways?
4) After reading The Animals, do you agree that through comprehending the unity of all life we are able to function more successfully as individuals?
5) Do you believe that the entire world sings and mingles and that humans, animals and the planet all share a common spiritual essence? If so, what is this essence? Identify it.
6) Has this book changed any of your previous beliefs as to how humans should interact morally with other conscious creatures?

From the author

Weblinks

»	Author Richard Grossman's web site

Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

Note from the author:

A language is a living being without a body. From a certain point of view, we all exist in order to keep a universal living language alive.

The Animals is a 400-poem pastoral. It consists of conversations between a shepherd and his flock of two hundred different creatures. In 200 of the poems each animal speaks; in the other 200, the shepherd addresses his flock. This isn’t an ordinary flock. There’s an amoeba in it and a clam and a cricket and a wolverine. I chose poetic beings that represent in one way or another nearly all the forms of animal life on earth.

We are tempted to think that only humans have problems, yet this is hardly so. We not only share the same planetary language, but we also share the same planetary problems. The voices of the animals are our own true voice.

As you read this book, try to place yourself in the position of the animals. Try to envision their cries for love and understanding as part of a larger, more beautiful language, creating a common song and bond that pervades our lives and our dreams.

Book Club Recommendations

Recommended to book clubs by 1 of 1 members.

Member Reviews

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"Thought provoking look at life and how every living creature is connected"by Tina K. (see profile) 10/17/11

Richard Grossman's THE ANIMALS might not seem like the most obvious choice for a book club read. And the fact it is poetry might put some people off. However, the book is very easy to read, and the poems... (read more)

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