Empathy In 'The Ass And The Ox'

In Michael Tournier’s short story “The Ass and the Ox”, empathy is a major theme that illustrates the bond between two unlikely animals, the ass and the ox. With their interactions, empathy knows no bounds, understanding and compassion between the different species. Throughout this essay, we’ll be able to see where empathy is prominent and isn’t, what the author’s point of retelling the story could be, what new, or alternative perspective, enriches and critiques one’s understanding of the events it alludes to, and examples of satire, allusion and anthropomorphism as they appear in the narrative. Finally, how is a different narrative in which a change of subject leads to a different historical interpretation? We’re able to see the purpose of

And he set his knife on the child's white throat'" (1995). This exemplifies the lack of empathy Abraham has for the baby, showing no hesitation in putting him in harm or danger. Another example of lack of empathy is when the three kings arrive. They tend to disrupt the moment at hand by showing off their wealth in the stable. “That's what humans are like: they manage to inflict more pain on the creatures they love and take pride in than on ones they hate or despise.” (189). This shows that the kings had no consideration, showing little regard for the struggles of the less fortunate. The author retells the nativity story to give us a different angle, focusing on themes like empathy and the significance of other characters. Through Kadi's perspective, we see how marginalized characters feel and are mistreated, even animals like Kadi. This new way of telling the story challenges traditional views and highlights the importance of kindness and understanding. Altering in from different perspectives of the animals that were involved in this event and what they went through themselves, we’re able to see how people treat one another, and how the birth of the baby affected