Watership Down Analysis

Watership Down Essay

In the book Watership Down by Richard Adams, a group of rabbits set off together after hearing a concerning prophecy that their warren would be attacked soon. They venture off into the unknown, traveling through different warrens; meeting new friends and enemies on their way. Throughout the journey, there was one significant leader that helped all of his fellow rabbits throughout the adventure. This rabbit's name is Hazel. Hazel travels with his companions, one of which is Fiver. Fiverr is the little rabbit who had visions of the destruction of his warren. Although there are many leaders in this story, Hazel has certain qualities that his fellow companions don't possess, making him a better leader than the rest.
During the night Hazel ventures off to try and find a better place for them to stay in the woods. “Hazel determines then and there to bring the rabbits up to the bean field to shelter and rest until evening” (pg. 41). Hazel's courage motivates him to find a safe shelter for his friends and is determined to get them all there safely. Throughout the journey, the rabbits decide that they need to find some does so that their warren survives. While looking for a warren nearby, Hazel and few rabbits discover a cage of rabbits; they unlock the box and dash to the trees where everyone is expectantly waiting for their arrival. Just then a cat approaches the rabbits and begins to pursue them. Boxwood and Clover, rabbits from the barn, have trouble keeping pace with everyone and end up far behind, lost in the woods. Hazel waits in the woods for all the rabbits to arrive, but when he notices the two of the rabbits are not there, he goes off to try and find them. The quote, “‘To fetch the other two,’ said Hazel. ‘You're the fastest, so it won't be dangerous for you will it?’” (p.218), demonstrates that Hazel takes an immense risk to go back and find the two rabbits that were left behind. Proving him as a strong leader, as he puts others before himself, showing that a leader must help other people to be effective. Courage makes Hazel a distinctive leader compared to other qualities leaders may possess.
He is intelligent in his insights and new ideas. During this time in the book, Hazel is out in the forest; he sees a little mouse who is about to be struck upon by a bird. Hazel attempts to help the mouse by whispering to it and convincing the mouse to come over to him for safety. After the act of kindness, the mouse tells Hazel that he has to do something to repay him in the future. Hazel knew that if he helped the mouse, his action would pay off in the future. “‘Run, Here; quick’” (p.145). This demonstrates Hazel summoning the mouse to come to his safety because Hazel understands that animals can interact with each other without being enemies, which most animals do not understand. Later on in the book, the rabbits have trouble searching for a place to stay at night. The little mouse's friend guides to a nice field to repay Hazel for his act of kindness. “‘You’re a clever chap, Hazel,’ said Holly at last. ‘You and your mouse. Mind you, we’d have found the place ourselves sooner or later, but not as soon as this.’” (p.166) Holly shows his gratitude for Hazel's actions and intelligent thinking which benefited all of the rabbits. Intelligence gives Hazel a more knowledgeable perspective on all of the obstacles the rabbits come across, therefore making him a strong