Inspired by: The Rabbits - Week 2

Inspired by the evocative storytelling in "The Rabbits" by John Marsden and Shaun Tan, a lesson plan has been developed to explore how authors use language, particularly figurative language, to create a lasting impact on readers. This educational activity encourages students to delve into the symbolic representation of animal characters and their human-like traits. For instance, the rabbits in the story are not only multiplying creatures but also a metaphor for the unanticipated consequences of their actions on the environment. This reflection extends to Kenneth Grahame's "The Wind in the Willows," where the animal characters, including Mole, Ratty, Mr Toad, and Mr Badger, are attributed with human characteristics. Learners are prompted to consider the traits these characters might possess and how different animals can symbolise various aspects of human personality, such as the tortoise named Charlie, who embodies attributes like thoughtfulness and perseverance.

The lesson further examines the narrative technique in "The Rabbits" as a metaphorical fable that uses the concept of an invading species to comment on the environmental destruction wrought by humans. Students are challenged to think critically about how different animals, like bees, rats, ants, bats, and penguins, could represent the impact of human behaviour on the environment or each other. They are asked to contemplate whether the story would convey the same message if it featured bees instead of rabbits, and how the perception of intentionality might change with different creatures. The idea of animals living in colonies for protection is also discussed, prompting students to consider the significance of this concept for the story's narrator and the rabbits. The activity culminates in a creative task where students are invited to write their own version of an invasion, perhaps setting it within the seemingly innocuous context of a tea party, thereby fostering a deeper understanding of the power of allegory and characterisation in literature.