Water For Elephants Jacobs Character Analysis

Preamble: In all pieces of literature, there are many different types of characters, in which there are variations between these types. Characters like the hero, villain, anti-hero, and victim play an integral role in the expression of the author’s ideas within the novel. The hero, however, is deemed to be the character who is the protector and enforcer of what is good and just. Despite this, a hero is not immaculate, as his/her decisions can reveal certain flaws. In Sarah Gruen’s ‘Water for Elephants’, this is no different.

Thesis: Therefore, In Sarah Gruen’s “Water for Elephants”, Jacob’s decisions and their consequences reveal the fact that Jacob is a flawed hero.

Criteria: This is seen in the fact that Jacob’s decisions reveal his flawed

This can be broken down into his protection of animals and people. However, Jacob’s decisions reveal his extraordinary protective nature of the animals within the circus.

Point One: To start, Jacob displays an unparalleled amount of protectiveness of Rosie (the circus’ elephant), and eventually becomes her shield in terms of protecting her from August; Rosie’s abuser.

Evidence: An example of a decision which reveals Jacob’s protectiveness of Rosie is when he attempts to defend her from August, who is about to punish (assault) her for drinking the circus’ lemonade, as he promises to “go after him [August]” ( Gruen 215).

Explanation: This decision to attempt to defend Rosie clearly highlights Jacob’s protectiveness towards the animals, and this protectiveness of Rosie is an attribute of heroism, therefore proving that Jacob is a hero.

Point Two: In addition to his protectiveness of Rosie, Jacob‘s decisions reveal the fact that he is protective of the general health and wellbeing of the big cats (Leo the lion, et cetera), as he attempts to refuse feeding them potentially harmful

Therefore, it demonstrates Jacob’s bravery, as he fearlessly opposes his murderous boss in the name of Marlena, and anyone willing to do this is ultimately a hero.

Point Two: The second, more subtle point which expresses Jacob’s fearlessness is seen in his older age; specifically towards the treatment of himself and his peers in his nursing home.

Evidence: An example where this bravery is illustrated is when he openly expresses his outrage towards the nurses over the fact that himself and his peers “miss real food” (68) and that he addresses the needs of his fellow residents by asking: “doesn’t anyone else here want real food? Surely you can’t be happy with…this…pap?” (68).

Explanation: Jacob’s actions as displayed in the evidence are important because it shows how Jacob is not afraid to speak his mind in the name of the nursing home, thereby making Jacob the hero of the nursing home. Conclusion: In conclusion, Jacob’s brave decisions as expressed in the opposition of Uncle Al and the conditions of the nursing home are traits of heroism, thereby making Jacob the hero of ‘Water for Elephants’.

Argument