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Herriot's depiction of the reality of life through the eyes of animals

Introduction

James Herriot was actually a pen name used by James Alfred Wight; he was a British veterinarian and a writer. He has used his years of experience as a veterinarian to write a series of books about animals and their owners. Some of his books were adapted into movies. Dog's play a significant role in Herriot's books, he loved animals and wished to pursue his career as a veterinarian but soon after the completion of his degree he started working in the farming industry but his love for animals remained. Herriot's books are all autobiographies and include his personal experience as a veterinarian. Herriot's books Mick the Dreamer and Tricki Woo Requests the Pleasure are critically analyzed, In order to assess the bigger picture behind Herriot's work.

Thesis Statement

The symbolic alliance of mankind and animals depicted in Herriot's books is an ingenious method to serve a bigger picture and give the audience a message.

Mick the dreamer

The story opens with Herriot driving back home from work, he had spent the day calving and as he drove home he sees a bunch of people all dressed up and happy carefree and buoyant, it was then that Herriot wondered why couldn't he have opted for a simpler life and an easy job. During his drive he feels frustrated and down, life seems cruel to him. He makes a stop at a pub and orders a drink amidst all the familiar faces he considers their lives and how the farmers live their lives worrying over their animals.

Herriot met an old man by the name of Close, a shepherd who has seen days of wonders but is now old and arthritic with him is his old dog Mick. Close and Mick have been together for a long time, youthful and energetic running after their cattle's, now both lay old and haggard. Herriot instantly notices Mick's eyes and is shocked at their terrible condition. Mr. Close who's had him for years is absolutely oblivious to his condition and blames it on the weather once Herriot inquires about Mick's eyes. Even though Herriot tries to persuade Mr. Close in having Mick operated he seems least pushed and keeps blaming it on the weather. Herriot becomes agitated and turns to the bartender named Ted. Ted understands the situation much better than Mr. Close and tries to reason with him by making him realize how necessary it is to have the dog operated, Mr. Close continues being stubborn. After a few days Ted brings Mick to Herriot and asks him to operate on him and he complies, the moment is a festive one as many farmers gather for the occasion. Herriot performs the operation and after a few days Mick's stitches are removed. The incident lived with Herriot and one day while driving past the pub he is instantly reminded of that one day, he decides to go in and have a look at ...