Two Observations

2 Pages 600 Words

“Two Observations”
In the essays “Observing Wolves” and “First Observations”, we are taken into the minds of two writer’s perspective on their animal subjects. Though both Farley Mowatt and Jane van Lawick-Goodall have similarly isolated themselves in the wilderness in the hope of achieving a higher understanding, their methods, perspective, and observations show two vastly different approaches. The preceding, in conjunct with their two completely different writing styles, shows us a glimpse of nature from practically opposite angles.
The two writers began their examinations differently right away. In “Observing Wolves”, Farley Mowatt expressed care and caution but trying not to get in the way of the wolves so as not to disturb “the even tenor of their lives too much” (237). He wanted to completely enter their world - but gradually. However, this respect was not demonstrated further into the essay when he attempted to get the animal’s attention by challenging their boundaries. In Jane van Lawick-Goodall’s “First Observations”, the narrator approached the chimpanzees more objectively. Her first impression of the primates was of their simplicity, but her reaction as she became familiar with them showed a growing awe for the them. Her portrayal of the animals and the jungle in her essay, as well as her careful observations, further showed her fascination and respect. In both essays, the reader could easily expect a different reaction from the observers based on their thesis’ but are led somewhere completely different.
In “Observing Wolves”, the narrator focused more on his feelings in relationship to the animals. His observations were more light-hearted, yet there was an underlying intensity shown in his admiration of the wolves and his eagerness to identify with them. The humor and expressiveness of his writing makes the story interesting and exciting; even for a reader with no knowledg...