I read that the story of Jacob is allegedly the backbone of Water for Elephants.So, I read the story of Jacob, (son of Isaac who was the son of Abraham, who almost sacrificed Isaac).
From my understanding of both works, the only clear connection is the theme of deception. Jacob decieving first his brother, then his father. Rachel and Leah’s father, repeatedly decieving Jacob.
In Water for Elephants, deception runs quite rampant, especially from Uncle Al, who would constantly swindle his own crew and performers.
I’m not sure if Jacob Jankowski is a parallel to Jacob, son of Isaac. I tried talking to my resident Bible expert (aka best friend), but she wasn’t very familiar with the story and the significance of Jacob’s ladder. I need to find someone who has read both, and can shed some light on this matter.
I’m still trying to figure out the significance of the animals. Obviously they played a huge role in the lives of the characters, but the only animals that were really discussed were Bobo the monkey, Rosie the elephant, and Silver Star, Marlena’s star horse. Why these three animals?
Its an interesting connection when Rosie comes into the story, I kept thinking of that line ” An elephant in the room”
Wikipedia’s definition: an English idiom for an obvious truth that is being ignored or goes unaddressed. It is based on the idea that an elephant in a small room would be impossible to overlook.
And there many moments like this throughout the rest of the novel after Rosie’s appearance up until the end of the novel.
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On a side note, I should really find a book club in my area to join. I think I should start one at whatever library I end up being hired to work for. All the current ones around me are for either mystery books, or are held at noon on Wednesdays, when I am working. Its not so much fun analyzing books on my own without someone else to counter my ideas.
