TL;DR
Watership Down is a timeless tale of adventure and survival, following a group of rabbits as they escape their destroyed warren and seek a new home, encountering numerous perils along the way.
What is Watership Down about
Watership Down, Richard Adams' debut novel, is a richly told adventure story set in the rural landscapes of England’s Downs. It follows a group of rabbits led by brothers Hazel and Fiver, who flee their home at Sandleford Warren to escape certain destruction by man. Their journey is fraught with challenges, from predators to hostile warrens, but they persevere in their quest to find the fabled safe haven on Watership Down. The novel explores themes of survival, leadership, and community.
Watership Down 5 Key Takeaways
The Escape from Sandleford Warren
The story begins with Fiver, a small rabbit with prophetic abilities, foreseeing imminent danger. He and his brother Hazel attempt to warn the warren, but only a few rabbits join them in their escape.
The Perils of the Journey
As the rabbits journey towards the promised land, they face numerous threats including predators, natural obstacles, and encounters with unfriendly rabbit warrens.
The Efrafa Encounter
The group learns of Efrafa, a warren under the tyrannical rule of General Woundwort. Infiltrating Efrafa to rescue oppressed rabbits becomes a pivotal and perilous mission.
The Climax at Watership Down
The climax of the novel occurs when General Woundwort leads an attack on Watership Down, forcing the rabbits to defend their new home in a fierce battle.
Establishment of a New Society
After overcoming numerous adversities, the rabbits finally establish a peaceful and thriving warren on Watership Down, embodying their vision of a perfect society.
Top Watership Down Quotes
- “All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies, and whenever they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you.”
- “My heart has joined the Thousand, for my friend stopped running today.”
Who should read Watership Down?
Watership Down is ideal for readers aged 10 and above, especially those who enjoy epic tales of adventure and survival. The novel appeals to both young adults and adults, offering rich themes of leadership and community, making it both an engaging and thought-provoking read.
Watership Down Best Reviews
- "Spellbinding…Marvelous…A taut tale of suspense, hot pursuit and derring-do." —Chicago Tribune
- “A classic yarn of discovery and struggle.” —The New York Times
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Watership Down FAQs
What is the book Watership Down about?
Watership Down follows a group of rabbits as they escape the destruction of their warren and seek a new home, encountering various perils and temptations. It explores themes of survival, leadership, and community.
What grade level is Watership Down?
Watership Down is generally recommended for readers aged 10 and above, with a Lexile measure of 880L and suitable for grade levels 5-6.
Is Watership Down appropriate?
While Watership Down was written for adults, it is also enjoyed by adolescents. However, it contains some violence and intense scenes, making it more suitable for mature readers.