Hannahs

 To what extent is the achievements of Woundwort a purer reflection of the weaknesses of Man’s society?

 

Adams creation of General Woundwort and the way he organizes his warren create a direct parallel with the dictators and dictatorships in our human society. Woundwort was protected by humans (or ‘elil’) but resents it as soon as he has the ability to, biting the ‘kind old schoolmaster’ as often as he could. The automatically presents woundward to the reader as resentful and brave, however I believe that where Woundwort is being brave he is also being incredibly stupid as he mistakes someone caring for him as a capture. This is mirroring of the psychological issues that are present in humans where the once a person is damaged by a problem in their past, they begin to resent anyone’s attempts at loving them. This sets Woundwort up to be a damaged and evil character in the novel. This is strengthened by Adams’ attempts to separate Woundwort completely from other rabbits by claiming that ‘most rabbits in his situation, lacking almost all experience of wild life, would have fallen victim at once to elil: but not Woundwort’ This shows how woundwort will be a stronger character that the others in the novel and this also gives the character an almost heroic reputation already as it shows how he is not like other rabbits.

 

He mirrors a dictator in human society because of his lust for strength and power. He increases the rabbits under his control, refereeing to it as his ‘kingdom’ and ‘his followers’. These words have connotations of religious figures which is ironic since Woundword actions develop to be quite sinister. However I believe that Woundworts actions begin as quite heroic and selfless, as ‘Woundwort himself went on with their work while they slept’ which is an extremely selfless act showing how he begins acting for the benefit of the entire warren. I believe that this is a direct parallel of Hitler as he also began with the intentions to build and benefit his people but then was driven to evil by power, showing the human weakness in the drive for power. Woundwort creates a hierarchical system in his warren to enforce control, this creates a societal divide in the warren which shows the warren will not be one of equality like the warrens before.

 

Adams uses this parallel of Woundwort and humankind to show how even the worst actions could have begun with the best intentions. Woundwort is a character which the reader does not want to feel sympathetic for but cannot help having feelings of empathy for, because of woundworts tragic backstory his actions are not fully forgiven but are understood by the reader who can recognise this behaviour in the faults of human society. Even though his reign of dictatorship upsets and creates an awful society for anyone in his power he is still unarguably brave and strong and creates the most efficient warren. This shows how in society we must get the correct balance between the happiness of people at the bottom of hierarchical system and the efficiency of the system and woundworts warren is a clear example of how not to run a society no matter how efficient it is.