The Lives of Animals

Part 1, “The Animals and the Philosophers,” relies heavily on a fictional short story, “A Report to an Academy,” written by Franz Kafka.

“A Report” follows a lecture given by an ape named Red Peter, although Red Peter has not felt like an ape for five years and feels he can never return to his life as an ape. Red Peter recounts his journey from the wilds to human society. He was brought to the human world when he was shot and captured by hunters, after which he was named Red Peter for the red scar left on his cheek from a bullet. He was shipped in a cramped cage, a representation of the fear wild animals experience in cages. He could barely move and became extremely stressed, which drives him into exhibiting repetitive behaviors. Red Peter says he wanted a “way out” rather than freedom, but there was no way out for him. He started imitating humans in search of a way out. He was burned when he refused to drink schnapps, then he drank an entire bottle during a celebration then called out “Hallo!” revealing his ability to speak. He was sent to a trainer, and worked to learn human habitudes in the hopes of escaping.