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Watership Down: Summary

Everything you need to know about Richard Adams's Watership Down, in 1 paragraph.
An illustration of a reader enjoying Watership Down by Richard Adams in a cosy interior
A reader enjoying Watership Down by Richard Adams
Watership Down is a classic novel about a group of rabbits who set out on an epic journey to find a new home when the destruction of their warren becomes imminent. Along the way, they encounter many dangers and challenges, including predators, oppressive humans, and even other rabbits with different ideals. Through their courage and resourcefulness, they eventually find a safe place to settle and start a new warren of their own. The story is full of adventure and moral lessons about courage, friendship, and loyalty.

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What is Watership Down about?

Watership Down is an epic adventure story about a group of rabbits who set out on a quest to find a new home. At the heart of the story is a battle between the forces of nature and human development, as the rabbits struggle to survive in a world that is constantly changing around them. The novel also explores themes of freedom, loyalty, courage, and friendship. The rabbits must work together to overcome not only physical obstacles but also their own fears and doubts as they search for a safe place to call home. Ultimately, Watership Down is an inspiring tale about hope, perseverance, and the power of friendship.

Watership Down: Book Club Questions

  1. What themes are explored in Watership Down?
  2. How does the author use symbolism to convey important messages?
  3. Do you think the story has a message about courage, loyalty and friendship?
  4. What do you think of the characters and their interactions with one another?
  5. How do Hazel and Fiver's roles differ throughout the novel?
  6. What do you make of General Woundwort's character development?
  7. Does Watership Down offer a realistic portrayal of animal behavior?
  8. How does Richard Adams use language to convey emotion in this book?
  9. Are there any spiritual elements present in Watership Down?
  10. Do you think the ending was appropriate for the story as a whole?

What to say about Watership Down

  • Watership Down is an incredible exploration of the power of storytelling, and its ability to comment on real-world situations.
  • The novel is a masterpiece in its use of allegory to explore complex topics like survival, community, and morality.
  • I was impressed by how well Richard Adams developed his characters, bringing them to life through their individual personalities and interactions with one another.
  • The themes of bravery, loyalty, and friendship are woven throughout the narrative in a way that really resonates with readers.
  • I found that the book's exploration of animal consciousness gave me a new appreciation for the natural world.
  • I found myself really drawn into the story as it unfolded and was captivated by the symbolism used throughout.
  • Watership Down offers an interesting commentary on human society and the effects of our actions on our environment.
  • It's fascinating to see how Adams creates a complete universe within his narrative and brings it to life through vivid description and detail.
  • The book is an insightful look at how different cultures interact and clash with one another, which I find incredibly thought-provoking.
  • I think what makes Watership Down so captivating is how it intertwines classic mythology with modern themes.

Top 5 Quotes from Watership Down

  1. "It seemed to Hazel that he would not be needing his body any more, so he left it lying on the edge of the ditch, but stopped for a moment to watch the three rabbits sitting together in the moonlight."
  2. "We can't all come and go by air!" said Fiver with a hint of sharpness.
  3. "The stories were full of courage and adventure and made you feel that great dangers and wonderful deeds were possible just around the next corner."
  4. "There was a thing inside them which drove them on, overleaping difficulties and obstacles which would have appalled their cautious elders."
  5. "Where there is life there is hope; and where there is hope, there can eventually be faith."

Adaptations of Watership Down

TV: 1. Watership Down (1999) 2. Watership Down (2018) Film: 1. Watership Down (1978) Radio: 1. Watership Down (1981) 2. Watership Down (1993) 3. Watership Down (2003) Podcast: 1. The Fiver: A Watership Down Podcast (2020) 2. The Rabbit Room's Watership Down Podcast (2020) Theatrical: 1. Watership Down: The Musical (2019)

Other books by Richard Adams

  • The Plague Dogs
  • Shardik
  • Traveller
  • The Girl in a Swing
  • Maia
  • The Iron Wolf and Other Stories
  • The Runs
  • The Story of the Malakand Field Force
  • The Paper Jubilee: A Book of Special Days
  • A Nature Diary

Did you know?

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Watership Down was the first novel written by English author Richard Adams.