Blog 4C: Analysis Redwall

Blog 4C: Analysis-Redwall

Redwall, a book about mice and the land in which they live in, is a piece of work by Brian Jacques. Brian Jacques was born, raised, and still lives in Liverpool, England, and has written many books about Redwall. It is noted that in many of his books there is the common theme of good versus evil. This theme is one that is common in many children books, which separates the lines between characters that possess notable characteristics, and those that possess bad characteristics.

Similar to what was done in one of our class discussions; the separation of characters can be seen in this book. The good animals, the mice, badgers, squirrels, hedgehogs, moles, otters, shrews, and many other animals take on characteristics that are admired by people that are reading the book. These animals are caring, want to save their home, and protect the animals that are there friends and that they love. Not only do these animals possess notable characteristics, but they also have names that suggest that they are good creatures. Matthias, Methuselah, Martin the Warrior, and Mordalfus (brother Alf) are all names that suggest these creatures are good and not evil. The importance of having names that correspond to the characteristics of these animals further accentuates the difference between good and evil.

On the other hand, the evil creatures are uncivilized, mean, and in respect, opposite of the creatures of Redwall who are good. These evil characters include Cluny the Scourge, who is leader of the rats. The rats, along with weasels, stoats, ferrets, the adder, and the foxes are all evil characters. The rat names, Redtooth, Cheesethief, Fangburn, and Darkclaw are all sinister names that suggest their evil natures. Another evil creature, Asmodeussssss the snake, also has all the characteristics of being evil. Most of these creatures that are a part of this category are seen as only caring about themselves and not about anyone else.

All in all, the contrast of animals that are good and evil in the Redwall book illustrates the main theme that in life there are going to be similar situations. Cluny the Scourge is the evil creature who is distained the most and whom ends up dead in the end. The lesson learned is that those who are evil will not prevail against those who are bad.