The Zookeeper S Wife Essay
Cheyenne McDermott
Mrs. Albuquerque
AP Language and Composition
25 September 2014
The Zookeeper’s Wife
In The Zookeeper’s Wife, readers are exposed to the story of Jan and Antonina Zabinski’s life through the second world war and the Nazi reign over Poland. Throughout the course of the novel, the audience is exposed to the two sides of the Zabinski’s family: Jan’s side and Antonina’s side. Jan’s side, full of action and physical risks, is equally as important as Antonina’s side, which is full of cunning tricks and advances. Both Jan and Antonina saved the lives of hundred of Jews during the Holocaust. For these reasons, when Jan incorrectly labels his spouse as a “housewife”, he is aiding D. T. Max’s theory that Antonina is more than a “housewife”, but “the alpha female in a unique menagerie.” Antonina Zabinski is one who transcends the role of a “housewife”. Not only is she a mother, but also a caretaker of numerous animals, a home, a family, and a zoo. Using the knowledge from her daily life, Antonina safeguards the Jewish people who enter her sanctuary. Moreover, she further exceeds this role by not letting the information that she could die at any time phase her decisions to help those in need, even when frightened. A solid example of this is when Antonina is plagued with the fear and worry that comes with protecting fugitives.
“The idea of safety had shrunk into particles - one snug moment, then the next. Meanwhile, the brain piped fugues of worry and staged mind-theaters full of tragedies and triumphs, because unfortunately, the fear of death does wonders to focus the mind, inspire creativity, and heightens the senses.” (Ackerman) By risking her family’s life as well as her own, Antonina reinforces the fact that she is more than a “housewife”. Furthermore, as the protagonist of this novel, Antonina shows the readers an early example of female empowerment and the effects of women in the war effort. Antonina herself can find a perfect example of this
Mrs. Albuquerque
AP Language and Composition
25 September 2014
The Zookeeper’s Wife
In The Zookeeper’s Wife, readers are exposed to the story of Jan and Antonina Zabinski’s life through the second world war and the Nazi reign over Poland. Throughout the course of the novel, the audience is exposed to the two sides of the Zabinski’s family: Jan’s side and Antonina’s side. Jan’s side, full of action and physical risks, is equally as important as Antonina’s side, which is full of cunning tricks and advances. Both Jan and Antonina saved the lives of hundred of Jews during the Holocaust. For these reasons, when Jan incorrectly labels his spouse as a “housewife”, he is aiding D. T. Max’s theory that Antonina is more than a “housewife”, but “the alpha female in a unique menagerie.” Antonina Zabinski is one who transcends the role of a “housewife”. Not only is she a mother, but also a caretaker of numerous animals, a home, a family, and a zoo. Using the knowledge from her daily life, Antonina safeguards the Jewish people who enter her sanctuary. Moreover, she further exceeds this role by not letting the information that she could die at any time phase her decisions to help those in need, even when frightened. A solid example of this is when Antonina is plagued with the fear and worry that comes with protecting fugitives.
“The idea of safety had shrunk into particles - one snug moment, then the next. Meanwhile, the brain piped fugues of worry and staged mind-theaters full of tragedies and triumphs, because unfortunately, the fear of death does wonders to focus the mind, inspire creativity, and heightens the senses.” (Ackerman) By risking her family’s life as well as her own, Antonina reinforces the fact that she is more than a “housewife”. Furthermore, as the protagonist of this novel, Antonina shows the readers an early example of female empowerment and the effects of women in the war effort. Antonina herself can find a perfect example of this