Barbara Gowdy’s “The White Bone” is a unique and compelling novel that tells the story of African elephants as they struggle to survive in their natural habitat. The book offers a thrilling journey into the minds of these majestic creatures, exploring their emotions, awareness, and stories.
Through the eyes of young Mud and her family, the reader is transported to the sub-Sahara, where they roam the high grasses, swamps, and deserts. However, the earth is scorched by drought, and the mutilated bodies of family members are discovered, leaving Mud and her remaining family to search for a new home.
“The White Bone” is a novel that is imagined entirely from the perspective of African elephants, creating a world that is whole and separate, yet illuminates our own. The book has met with widespread international acclaim and was nominated for several awards, including The Governor General’s Award and The Scotia Bank Giller Prize.
Background of ‘The White Bone’
Barbara Gowdy: Author Profile
Barbara Gowdy, born on June 28, 1950, is a Canadian novelist and short-story writer. She is the author of seven books, including “Helpless,” “The Romantic,” “Mister Sandman,” and “Falling Angels,” among others. Gowdy has been a three-time finalist for The Governor General’s Award, two-time finalist for The Scotia Bank Giller Prize, The Rogers Writers’ Trust Fiction Prize, and The Commonwealth Writers’ Prize.
Publication History
“The White Bone” is a Canadian novel written by Barbara Gowdy and published by HarperCollins in 1999. The novel was nominated for the Scotiabank Giller Prize in 1998. The book tells the story of African elephants with adult, anthropomorphized personalities, and it bears a striking resemblance to Richard Adams’ “Watership Down,” only with elephants instead of rabbits.
Literary Context
“The White Bone” is a work of literary fiction that explores the lives of African elephants and their struggles to survive in a changing world. The novel’s themes include the importance of family and community, the impact of human activity on the natural environment, and the power of memory and imagination. Gowdy’s extensive research on elephant behavior heavily informed the creation of the elephant culture and world in the novel. The book has been praised for its vivid and imaginative portrayal of animal life and for its exploration of complex ethical and philosophical issues.
Plot Overview
The White Bone by Barbara Gowdy is a novel that follows the story of a herd of elephants in Africa. The novel is set during a time of great change and upheaval, as humans encroach on the elephants’ habitat and disrupt their traditional way of life.
The main character, Mud, is a young elephant who is born into the herd and struggles to find her place in the world. As she grows older, she becomes increasingly aware of the dangers that surround her, both from humans and from other animals.
The novel is told from the perspective of the elephants, who are anthropomorphized and given human-like personalities and emotions. Through their experiences, the novel explores themes of family, love, loss, and the struggle to survive in a changing world.
Characters in ‘The White Bone’
The She-Elephants
The White Bone by Barbara Gowdy is a novel that tells the story of a group of African elephants with adult, anthropomorphized personalities. The she-elephants are the main characters of the novel, and their struggles and triumphs are the focus of the story. The reader is introduced to Date Bed, the matriarch of the herd, and her daughter, She-Snorts. The novel follows their journey as they search for the mystical “White Bone” that will lead them to a new home and a better life.
The Bull Elephants
The bull elephants are also important characters in The White Bone. They are portrayed as powerful and dominant, but also vulnerable and in need of the protection of the she-elephants. The reader is introduced to Tusker, a wise and experienced bull elephant who helps the she-elephants on their journey. The novel also explores the relationships between the bull elephants and the she-elephants, and the challenges they face in working together.
Other Animal Characters
In addition to the elephants, The White Bone features a number of other animal characters. These include a pack of wild dogs, a group of baboons, and a wise old tortoise. These characters play important roles in the story, helping the she-elephants on their journey and providing insight into the larger animal world. Overall, the characters in The White Bone are complex and well-developed, and the reader is drawn into their world and invested in their struggles.
Themes and Motifs
Survival and Suffering
The White Bone by Barbara Gowdy explores the theme of survival and suffering in the animal kingdom. The novel depicts the harsh reality of life in the wild, where animals must constantly fight for survival against the forces of nature and the encroachment of humans. The elephants in the story face numerous challenges, including drought, predators, and poachers. Through their struggles, the author shows the resilience and determination of these creatures to survive in a world that is often hostile and unforgiving.
Memory and Loss
Memory and loss are also prominent themes in The White Bone. The novel highlights the importance of memory in the lives of elephants, who have strong familial bonds and long memories. When Date Bed is separated from her family, she must rely on her memories to navigate the dangerous landscape and find her way back to her loved ones. The novel also explores the pain of loss, as the elephants mourn the deaths of their loved ones and struggle to come to terms with their grief.
Myth and Belief
The White Bone also touches on the theme of myth and belief. The elephants in the story have a rich culture and mythology, which they use to make sense of the world around them. The author shows how these beliefs shape the elephants’ behavior and attitudes, and how they help the animals cope with the challenges they face. The novel also explores the idea of superstition, as the elephants sometimes rely on rituals and omens to guide their actions. Overall, The White Bone is a thought-provoking exploration of the complex themes of survival, memory, and belief in the animal kingdom.
Narrative Structure
The White Bone by Barbara Gowdy is a novel with a unique narrative structure that is both complex and captivating. The story is told from the perspective of elephants, and the author uses a variety of literary techniques to create a rich and immersive world.
One of the most notable features of the novel’s narrative structure is its use of multiple perspectives. The story is told from the point of view of several different elephants, each with their own unique personalities and experiences. This allows the reader to gain a deeper understanding of the elephant culture and world, and to see how different characters respond to the challenges they face.
Another important aspect of the novel’s narrative structure is its use of flashbacks and memories. Throughout the story, the elephants often reflect on past events and experiences, providing important context and insight into their current situation. This technique also helps to create a sense of continuity and connection between different parts of the story.
Critical Reception
Critics have praised “The White Bone” for its unique perspective and imaginative storytelling. Gowdy’s extensive research on elephant behavior has been widely appreciated, adding a level of authenticity to the novel’s portrayal of the animal kingdom.
The novel has been compared to Richard Adams’ “Watership Down,” but with elephants instead of rabbits. Some critics have noted that the book’s anthropomorphized elephants can be difficult to relate to at times, but overall, the novel has been well-received.
“The White Bone” was nominated for the Scotiabank Giller Prize in 1998, further cementing its place in Canadian literature. The novel’s themes of survival, family, and the impact of humans on the environment have resonated with readers and critics alike.
Symbolism in ‘The White Bone’
The White Bone
The title of the novel, ‘The White Bone’, is a symbol of hope and salvation for the elephants. It is believed that the bone will lead them to the ‘Safe Place’, a mythical land where they can live without fear of humans. The bone serves as a powerful symbol of faith and perseverance, as the elephants embark on a dangerous journey to find it.
The Safe Place
The ‘Safe Place’ is a symbol of the elephants’ desire for freedom and safety. It represents the hope that they can one day live without fear of humans and their destructive ways. The journey to find the ‘Safe Place’ is not only a physical one, but also a spiritual one, as the elephants must overcome their doubts and fears to reach it.
Elephant Communication
Elephant communication is a recurring symbol in the novel. The elephants use a variety of sounds and gestures to communicate with each other, and their ability to do so is crucial to their survival. The novel highlights the importance of communication and understanding in relationships, both among elephants and between humans and animals.
Environmental and Conservation Issues
The White Bone by Barbara Gowdy is a novel that brings to light the environmental and conservation issues that African elephants face. The book highlights the impact of human activities on the natural habitat of elephants and other animals. The story reveals how the elephants’ world has been warped by the violence of man.
The novel portrays the effects of poaching and human encroachment on the elephants’ habitat. The elephants in the story are forced to migrate in search of food and water due to prolonged drought, and they face numerous challenges along the way. The elephants’ journey is fraught with danger as they encounter poachers and other animals that prey on them.
The White Bone also highlights the importance of conservation efforts in preserving the natural habitat of elephants. The book shows how the elephants’ survival is dependent on the conservation of their habitat and the protection of their species. The story emphasizes the need for humans to work together to protect the environment and preserve the natural world.
Overall, The White Bone is a poignant reminder of the importance of environmental conservation and the impact of human activities on the natural world. The book serves as a call to action to protect the environment and preserve the natural habitat of elephants and other animals.
Influence on Popular Culture
“The White Bone” by Barbara Gowdy has not only been a critical success but has also influenced popular culture in various ways. The book has inspired many readers to become more aware of the plight of elephants in Africa and has sparked conversations about conservation efforts.
The novel has also been adapted into a play, which has been performed in various theaters across Canada. The play has received positive reviews for its powerful performances and its ability to capture the essence of the book.
Additionally, “The White Bone” has been referenced in various other works of literature and media. For example, the book has been mentioned in the novel “The Elephant Whisperer” by Lawrence Anthony, which also focuses on the relationship between humans and elephants.