Tuesday, March 31, 2020

The Sixth Day: The symbolism of the animal characters




In "The Sixth Day" by Petra Pierre - Robertson, the main protagonist,  Rahel, is plagued by phobias. An ancient legend causes her to be very fearful. In the face of danger, she zones out of reality. In her stupor humans become animals indicative of their character traits. Are her encounters real or just conjured up by a dreamer with an overactive imagination? 

"The Sixth Day" by Petra Pierre - Robertson
Greed, lust and the desire for power nurture a long standing feud between two territories: Kenan and Babal.  

Here are clues to unearth the symbolism of the animals, assembled in the shed, when Rahel is first captured.  
Refer to pages 5 - 11 of 'The Sixth Day'

Lion Leonardo.  The son and heir of the Babalite Ruler

Leonardo's trusted friends: 
Hinds:  Surefooted Hinds 
Eagle: Courageous, powerful, honorable Aquila 
Tiger: Passionate, daring, fearless Tiegra
Owl: Wise Laila 
Livingstoni Cichlid: Leonardo's father.  The predatory, devious, weak, deceitful Babalite Ruler, Livingston Cichlid
Pearl Fish: The main antagonist, Paul Fisher:  Leonardo's 'bottom-licking' half brother who wants to be sole heir at any cost 


Pearl Fish carried out his daily responsibilities cocooned in Livingstone Cichlid's anus ('The Sixth Day' p 9) 


Black Herons:  They believe they work harder than everyone else.
Topi Antelopes:  They are sly and feign vulnerablity.  They always 'cry wolf'.
Squas: They are always traveling and away from the organization. They should retire but can't seem to leave.  They are involved in everything whether present or absent.
Cuckoo Bees: Devious, traitorous usurpers, they are always up front in the choicest seats, talking to whoever will listen
Brown Trouts: Very pretentious, these facetious protagonists always wore fake smiles that never quite reached their eyes, and did not light up their hard faces.
Sabre-Toothed Blennys:  They loved to greet with hugs and kisses, but it was largely to disarm the unsuspecting victim, for the blenny to deliver an unanticipated bite/blow.
Butterflies:  These pretty, perfumed, disingenuous, flirting with everyone protagonists, thrived on being facetious to enhance their popularity/likes, which they craved.
Alligators and Crocodiles: They sat quietly, feigning disinterest, to imbibe all the happenings, which they regurgitate and gossip, when it suits their purposes.


Trailer:  'The Sixth Day' by Petra Pierre - Robertson


Upcoming symbolism for exploration:
Pleasance: p 10
Machiavelli: p 38, 39, 77
The numbers 3, 7 and 1: p22
Ultimate Sacrifice: 81 - 83
Babal/The Babalites
Kenan/The Kenanites
The Sixth Day