T. C. Boyles When the killings done - Essay Example

When the Killings Done While this novel focuses on animal rights, many other environmental issues and ideas were part of the background for the story. What issues did you observe as you read this novel? Did anything you read cause you to become more aware or change your mind about a particular environmental issue? Pinpoint five or six instances where environmental issues, including problems, become apparent. Perhaps the most spectacular feature of T. C. Boyle’s striking novel titled When the killing’s done is that on many accounts it escapes the stagnation that one might connect with a novel of its genre – the narrative is not only regarding animal rights as it may appear at first but in his story, Boyle showcases the dynamism and complexity that is associated with environmental activism, morality, ethics and the family life which shapes the actions and intentions of a human being. The purpose of this essay is to highlight the background for Boyle’s story by bringing to light the underlying environmental issues in the novel, in doing so the paper draws attention to five instances that are present in the book where problems and issues related to the environment become evident. In conclusion the essay examines the impact of Boyle’s novel in creating awareness regarding aspects related to environmental activism such as biodiversity management, the issue of non-native species in habitats and the redesigning of ecosystems. At the crux of the narrative that is presented in When the killing’s done lies the conflict between Alma Boyd Takesue and Dave Lajoy. While, Alma seeks the absolute eradication of invasive species such as black rats and feral pigs on the islands of Santa Cruz and Anacapa, for Lajoy the killing of an animal regardless of its categorization as an invasive species is a grave violation of morality and “…that’s what he has to remember: save the animals” (Boyle p75). The varying perceptions and motivations of the two characters in advancing their environmental agendas is not only reflective of a conflict or problem that seeks resolution within the novel itself but also gives insight into the dilemmas associated with environmental activism in the real world. The fundamental question here is that when the benefits of environmental activism and protecting the flora and fauna are agreed upon on a widespread scale, why is it that human beings cannot collaborate in harmony to achieve a common objective? Due to its focus and analysis of the subjectivity associated with morals and ethics in environmental activism on a macro level, Boyle’s novel intends to spread a message that comprehends the need to strike a balance between values, morals and ethics for the overall good of humanity. Another aspect that is prominent in the novel has been crafted by Boyle in the background stories of the characters, in fact, it would be correct to state that Alma owes her existence to the island – the island saved Alma’s grandmother from possible death which could have been the consequence of a shipwreck that occurred in 1946. Furthermore, Lajoy’s girlfriend Anise Reed also shares a special relationship with the islands due to her mother’s employment at a ranch located on the island. The implications of these relationships that have been woven within the narrative by Boyle necessarily enhance the dramatic element of the novel to portray the characters and their situations in a manner that is believable. Alma’s determination to promote her cause and garner the attention of the press on the issue of environmental concern also stems from personal reasons, which enhances the ambiguity of the criterion for right and wrong, thereby, enhancing the subjectivity that is associated with an individual’s motivation for environmental activism and selecting the best possible method of conservation. In essence, When the killing’s done documents decades of changes in habitats, ecosystems and the environment that have been brought about by the influence and intervention of human beings. The environmental issues that are under consideration in the novel are not the products of a specific period in the history of mankind but are the ramifications of continuous incidents that were initiated by human beings and ultimately led to the establishment of the environment as we know it today. This observation emphasizes the involvement of conservation biology with regards to the environmental issues that have been raised in the novel. In a heated argument, Dave Lajoy who has been portrayed as the antagonist in the novel asks Alma “And who exactly was it appointed you God, lady?” (Boyle p64). By incorporating this dialogue in the book, Boyle does not only mark the commencement of an environmental battle between the main characters of the novel but also presents his readers with a dilemma that ecologists, scientists, researchers and historians face in the real world as well (Rick p16). Is human intervention the answer to the resolution of environmental issues and problems that were caused by the interference of mankind in the affairs of nature in the first place? However, the more important matter with regards to conservation biology and environmental management techniques such as the extermination of invasive species is put forward by Lajoy when he inquires:“Those rats have been there for a hundred and fifty years!...What’s your baseline? A hundred years ago? A thousand? Ten thousand?” (Boyle p63). The problem associated with determining the limitations and need for human intervention in matters of nature seeks immediate resolution, As Rick observes that it is imperative for researches to identify the starting point of restoration and environmental management efforts before the commencement of any extensive programs (16). In When the killing’s done, Lajoy’s character is the voice of defiance and rebellion, even though, Lajoy’s role as the antagonist is evident to the reader his reasoning and questioning is critical in inciting a debate that has remained unaddressed for a long time and must be revived for the sake of mankind and for planet Earth. This notion leads to the birth of several aspects such as the personal choices we make as individuals and how they impact the environment in an adverse manner, even when we are aware of the dire consequences of our actions humans opt to do nothing more and are therefore left with a lingering sense of guilt. Nonetheless, the dilemma of environmental activism in When the killing’s done is apparent in the choices of Dave Lajoy and Alma Boyd Takesue – the morality of Lajoy’s preference and the scientific reasoning behind Alma’s alternative favors the choices that have been made protagonist however, she comprehends the implications of her decisions too and perhaps intends to support her beliefs, values and judgments by recalling the higher purpose of her decision for “She’s a killer in the service of something higher, of restoration, redemption, salvation, but a killer all the same” (Boyle P236). Analyzing the background of Boyle’s novel in a broader scope, the book employs the assistance of several literary devices such as the representations of characters, imagery in the description of islands and the structure of the narrative that are interwoven in the narrative to draw attention towards the core of environmental problems faced in today’s world. These issues include the existence of non-native and invasive species on the islands of Santa Cruz and Anacapa, modern techniques in the management of ecological systems, the scope of biodiversity management and the fundamental need of balancing the ecosystems. Furthermore, Boyle’s effort in describing the marine life of the islands and their resistance against drastic changes in their habitat explores a vast topic that has been a cause of major concern for environmental activists. A notable excerpt in the book follows Alma to the beach where she witnesses the astonishing wonders of marine life such as barnacles, hermit crabs and urchins that become visible upon low tide. The environmental issue in the passage is visible in the author’s description of a seal pup that appears on shore and is severely malnourished: The animal was obviously undernourished – she suspected domoic acid poisoning as a result of the toxin concentrated in the plankton working its way up to the food chain and delivered in its mother’s milk (Boyle p108). This passage describes the cycle of poisoning and toxins that can adversely impact the marine life by attacking the food source of marine animals and transferring harmful toxins from the mother to her babies. This notion asserts that the consequences of most environmental issues are enduring and have the potential of causing harm to generations of animals and marine life. Furthermore, the novel also highlights the issue revolving around the endangered species of Xantus murrelet which is a seabird that lives on the Channel Islands of California. As a strong believer in her mission, Alma is determined to secure the endangered bird species. An excerpt from the book describes the appearance and breeding patterns of Xantus murrelet, stating that the rats prey on the birds’ eggs and given the circumstances where the existence of the Xantus murrelet has become limited to only two thousands pairs, Alma is determined to safeguard what is left of the species. Despite of the urgency of the situation and the imminent threat to sea birds such as the Xantus murrelet and western gull from the existence of invasive rodents, Lajoy’s oppositional efforts remain steadfast as he discredit’s Alma’s initiatives for the protection of aquatic animals by labeling them as “propaganda and doublespeak” (Boyle p60). The portrayal of marine life in the novel appears most vivid with Boyle’s description of the shore; the author intends to depict the beauty of the sea and its inhabitants in his accounts of Alma’s reflection, ocean flora such as kelps and images of tiny fish reflect the magnificence of marine life. However, the depictions of the sea also highlight the possibility of toxins and chemicals that may have infested the purity of the water, thereby, jeopardizing marine life. The author writes,“…the sea black and oily-looking, running up the boat ramp at the edge of the lot in a pissing yellow foam” (Boyle p261), it is evident from this vivid description of the state of the ocean that human intervention has led to the contamination of the water which is one of the threats being faced by the aquatic animals and marine life on the islands of Santa Cruz and Anacapa along with the profusion of invasive species of rats that are causing the population of seabirds such as the Xantus murrelet to diminish. In conclusion, Boyle’s novel When the killing’s done is a commendable effort that successfully incorporates an effective storyline, dramatized characters and real world happenings with regards to environmental issues and activism to draw attention to the problems of the world’s ecosystems. The ethical and moral dilemmas in the novel enhance its relationship with reality and encourage the commencement of a debate that must be conducted to discuss and resolve the dilemmas and questions that are associated with conservation biology, the issue of non-native and invasive species and the biodiversity management. The essay assesses the conflicts and guilt of individuals for their part in environmental degradation by exploring the background of Boyle’s ideas in When the killing’s done. Certainly, Boyle’s question of whether environmental issues caused by prior human interference should be resolved by further human intervention is intriguing, furthermore, the book also brings to attention the issues in ecological restoration and conservation that must be addressed in an effective manner. Work Cited Boyle, T. Coraghessan. When the killing's done. Bloomsbury Paperbacks, 2012. Rick, Torben C. "When the Killing’s Done." Ethnobiology Letters 3 (2012). Read More