Dissimilar Communication In 'We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves'

Dissimilar Communication Language and one’s ability to communicate with others in some form is an essential part of the everyday lives of both humans and animals. There are endless forms of communication, for “language is more than just words” (Fowler 98). In her novel We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves, Karen Joy Fowler focuses on the importance of language and communication in the lives of the Cooke family and their chimpanzee daughter Fern. Throughout the novel, Mr. and Mrs. Cooke play key roles in the development of Rosemary’s communication skills as well as the way she communicates. Although Rosemary’s mother does not have as vital of an impact on her communication, Mrs. Cooke often acts as peacekeeper between Rosemary and Mr. …show more content…
Lowell exemplifies this double meaning to his ways of communicating after Fern is taken away as he was “responding by pushing the boundaries, [while rosemary] was trying [her] hardest to be good. Both reactions made sense. Both should be seen as cries for help” (Fowler 110). He has trouble expressing his true feelings so in order to get the attention he craves, he acts out. He proves this to be true when he is wanted by the FBI for Arson motivated by his anger towards Fern’s treatment after she is removed from their home. Lowell does prove, though, that he has a compassionate side to himself throughout the novel in the way he communicates with the family. When he meets up with Rosemary and speaks of Fern’s removal from their home he says “You were only five years old…[d]on’t go blaming yourself” (Fowler 222). Even though Lowell does blame Rosemary for Fern’s leaving, he doesn’t want to upset her so he chooses to say what will not make her feel as responsible for the incident.. He later asks Rosemary to “Tell Mom and Dad I love them?” (Fowler 222), leaving her with the reassurance that even though he cannot stay he still treasures his