TL;DR
A band of wild rabbits embarks on an epic journey to escape their doomed warren and find a new home, encountering numerous challenges along the way.
What is Watership Down about
Watership Down, written by Richard Adams, is a compelling tale of survival, adventure, and the quest for a better life. Set in the English countryside, the story follows a group of rabbits led by two brothers who flee their warren to escape imminent destruction. Their journey is fraught with dangers such as predators and human interference. The novel explores themes of freedom, leadership, and the relationship between man and nature, as the rabbits strive to establish a new home on Watership Down. Adams's debut novel has captured the hearts of readers for decades with its rich narrative and timeless themes.
Watership Down 6 Key Takeaways
Destruction of the Warren
The story begins with Fiver, a rabbit with prophetic abilities, foreseeing the destruction of their home, Sandleford Warren. Despite skepticism, a group of rabbits led by Fiver's brother Hazel decides to flee.
Journey to Watership Down
The rabbits embark on a perilous journey, facing various threats from predators, unfamiliar terrains, and human activities. Their leadership and camaraderie are tested as they navigate through these challenges.
Encounter with Cowslip's Warren
The group encounters another warren that initially appears idyllic but harbors dark secrets. This experience teaches them the value of freedom and self-reliance.
Efrafa and General Woundwort
The rabbits learn of Efrafa, an oppressive warren ruled by the tyrannical General Woundwort. Hazel devises a daring plan to rescue does (female rabbits) from Efrafa to ensure the survival of their own warren.
Climax and Battle
The climax features a dramatic battle between the Watership Down rabbits and Woundwort's forces. Through ingenuity and bravery, the protagonists manage to secure their new home.
Settlement on Watership Down
In the end, the rabbits establish a peaceful and thriving community on Watership Down, fulfilling their dream of a better society.
Top Watership Down Quotes
- 'My heart has joined the Thousand, for my friend stopped running today.'
- 'All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies, and when they catch you, they will kill you. But first they must catch you.'
Who should read Watership Down?
Watership Down is ideal for readers who enjoy epic adventures, animal tales, and stories with deep symbolic meanings. It appeals to both adults and adolescents seeking a thought-provoking narrative on freedom, leadership, and nature.
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
- 'One of the most beloved novels of all time.' —New York Times bestselling author Madeline Miller
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Watership Down FAQs
What is the book Watership Down about?
Watership Down follows a group of rabbits as they escape their doomed warren and seek a new home, encountering numerous challenges along the way.
Is Watership Down appropriate?
Watership Down contains themes of violence and struggle that may not be suitable for young children, making it more appropriate for older adolescents and adults.
What is the deeper meaning behind Watership Down?
The novel suggests a loss of humanity's ability to live freely and harmoniously with nature, emphasizing the importance of living as part of nature rather than apart from it.