Throughout life, one is influenced by relationships, whether it be from close friends, strangers or even house pets. The intrinsic nature of oneself is developed through interpersonal interactions and one’s character continues to evolve through life. Likewise, in Sara Gruen's Water for Elephants, the different types of relationships Jacob Jankowski experiences in his youth lead to his development into a caring, compassionate and understanding man.
Yet, Jacob’s strong sexual desire for women leads him to disregard love and forgo empathy. In particular, his sexual desires manifests in his relationship with Barbara. Sex was always “something [he] thought about pretty much constantly for the last eight years” (137). Nevertheless, Jacob “[disgraces …show more content…
Jacob’s empathy leads him to care for Camel, paying no heed to the consequences. As his father figure during his time with the Benzini Brothers' circus, he gives the desolate, naïve Jacob a place to live. Because of everything Camel has done for him, Jacob understands that with his paralysis, Camel is a liability to the circus and is destined to be redlighted. Jacob takes the risk to hide Camel in his compartment of the train, and takes care of all his necessities including “[managing] the old man’s shave…[and] dangling his naked posterior over...the honey bucket” (207). This sudden switch in parental roles further develops Jacob’s compassion and understanding. This moment shows the growth Jacob has made from a sex-curious Cornell student to a caring guardian.
To add on, Jacob’s nurturing nature is evident in his care of the menagerie animals. It’s “impossible to describe how [tender he] feel[s] towards [the animals] (145-146). When Jacob has someone or something to nurture and take care of, he learns to care and have compassion for others. It is particularly evident with Rosie. The “squealing and shrieking” (223) of Rosie affects Jacob deeply when she suffers the brunt of August’s rage. Jacob himself finds that he also feels the same pain. This inherent bond between Jacob and Rosie establishes his caring and compassionate
Yet, Jacob’s strong sexual desire for women leads him to disregard love and forgo empathy. In particular, his sexual desires manifests in his relationship with Barbara. Sex was always “something [he] thought about pretty much constantly for the last eight years” (137). Nevertheless, Jacob “[disgraces …show more content…
Jacob’s empathy leads him to care for Camel, paying no heed to the consequences. As his father figure during his time with the Benzini Brothers' circus, he gives the desolate, naïve Jacob a place to live. Because of everything Camel has done for him, Jacob understands that with his paralysis, Camel is a liability to the circus and is destined to be redlighted. Jacob takes the risk to hide Camel in his compartment of the train, and takes care of all his necessities including “[managing] the old man’s shave…[and] dangling his naked posterior over...the honey bucket” (207). This sudden switch in parental roles further develops Jacob’s compassion and understanding. This moment shows the growth Jacob has made from a sex-curious Cornell student to a caring guardian.
To add on, Jacob’s nurturing nature is evident in his care of the menagerie animals. It’s “impossible to describe how [tender he] feel[s] towards [the animals] (145-146). When Jacob has someone or something to nurture and take care of, he learns to care and have compassion for others. It is particularly evident with Rosie. The “squealing and shrieking” (223) of Rosie affects Jacob deeply when she suffers the brunt of August’s rage. Jacob himself finds that he also feels the same pain. This inherent bond between Jacob and Rosie establishes his caring and compassionate