Water For Elephants Theme Essay

In Sara Gruen’s novel Water for Elephants, the theme of love being a driving force in the characters’ decision making is displayed through the use of characterization and conflict throughout the novel. Jacob’s love for Marlena causes him to make unexpected and often foolish decisions. When Jacob suddenly kissed Marlena, her reaction caused him to realize “‘[he] shouldn’t have done that,’” (Gruen, 2006, p. 153). Jacob was unable to conceal his love for Marlena, which, in turn, caused him to suddenly kiss her. Jacob’s character is extremely love driven, which is demonstrated by his romantic outbursts. Without thinking of the results, Jacob decided to keep Rosie because of his love for her. When Jacob told Marlena they were keeping Rosie, his reasoning was “‘I love that bull.

319). When faced with the thought of losing Rosie, Jacob’s immense love for her caused him to impulsively keep her. Similarly to the situation with Marlena, Jacob’s love-driven character made extremely impulsive decisions, without thinking of consequences. Jacob didn’t think of what would happen to Rosie or his family when he accepted the deal, which could have caused an even greater conflict. The theme of love driving the characters’ decisions is also portrayed by Jacob’s love for the circus. Sara Gruen (2006) ends the novel with elderly Jacob running away with the circus because “for this old man, this is home,” (p.331). Despite his elderly age, Jacob spontaneously decided to run away with the circus yet again. Jacob’s love for the setting of the circus, which he referred to as his beloved home, influenced his unpredictable decision to run away. In the novel Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen, love is a powerful force that determines the characters’ actions, which is demonstrated through the use of characterization and