Exploring The Representation Of Zoo In Literature In English

Abstract

Zoos as an institution have a significant international and educational reach, with hundreds of institutions worldwide and hundreds of millions of visitors each year. But even with such reach, zoos continue to be overlooked by the field of literature. Over the years, zoos have been represented in many literary landscapes, and the same can be analyzed for understanding how zoos as an institution. Furthermore, the zoo’s representation in literature opens the venue for discourses on ethical considerations and moral dilemmas surrounding zoos, and questioning the impact of human intervention on the natural world. Authors of such work navigate themes of conservation, animal rights, and the blurred lines between entertainment and exploitation, prompting readers to reconsider their perceptions of zoological spaces.

This research paper delves into the multifaceted representations of zoos in literature, examining how authors have engaged with the concept of the zoo as a cultural and societal institution. By employing a thematic approach, the paper investigates how zoos have been depicted as microcosms of society, mirrors reflecting human behavior and societal attitudes towards nature. The exploration encompasses works, such as Yann Martel's Life of Pi and Edward Albee’s The Zoo Story which delve into the dichotomy between captivity and freedom. The study spans various literary works aiming to provide a comprehensive analysis of the evolving portrayal of zoos in literature