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The Zookeeper's Wife Essay

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There are some moments in this world that bring out the best in people. Unfortunately, it is usually in times of danger and distress that people show their true heroism. In the novel The Zookeeper’s Wife two zookeepers, Jan and Antonina rescue the lives of hundreds of Jews on the run from the Nazis. Jan and Antonina risk not only their lives, but also the lives of their family to help those in need, but hiding Jews in the empty zoo animal cages. Diane Ackerman, the author of the novel, brings this family back to life and tells the heroic story that this world needs to hear. Even throughout the bloodiest times in history, there are true moments of peace and hope.
Author Biography: The author of the book, The Zookeeper’s Wife is Diane Ackerman who is a well-known poet, essayist, and naturalist. She is the author of two dozen highly acclaimed works of nonfiction …show more content…

Even though the title of the novel indicates that she is just a wife, and Jan is the actual zookeeper, it becomes clear throughout the book that she is a zookeeper in her own right. Early on, Antonina is presented to the readers as a housewife, doing the domestic chores that waited for her each day. These chores include taking care of the animals in the zoo, including nursing and healing the sick animals. Since Jan is called away on many occasions due to the war, Antonina is left to watch over the zoo’s animals. She has a way with the animals and can understand their wants and needs. She has an, “uncanny ability to calm unruly animals,” (1.22) and communicates with them just as she does with humans. This interesting quality is significant to her character, as when the Jews move in, she is able to use her traits to fare for the refugees. She has the uncanny ability to emit waves of understanding a calm nature, which came in handy when she, with the power of her thoughts, was able to push away the German soldiers invading her

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