Blog # 4

Sara Gruen, the author of Water For Elephants, stresses the importance of being obedient through her book. When the main character, Jacob Jankowski, is a young boy, he is very obedient. This is shown through his actions and words, which makes him likable by his superiors and furthers his career.

What Jacob does shows the reader how quickly he complies to others. An example of his compliance is when he is asked to shovel out a train-car full of horse manure. Rather than refusing to do this dirty task like most college students would, Jacob agrees. After he finished this job, Jacob was more respected by the circus people and was promoted to a better, cleaner, job.

Through his words, Jacob shows his obedience as well. One instance when Jacob's words show his obedience is when he is speaking to Cecil. Cecil is one of Jacob's superiors at the circus. Whenever Jacob speaks to Cecil, he is humble and as helpful as he can be. He doesn't ask Cecil for favors or expect things of him, but understands that Cecil is in charge of him. Because of the way Cecil is treated by Jacob, Cecil puts in a good word or two about Jacob to the men in charge of the circus which allows Jacob to move even further up the circus jobs to a better one.

By analyzing Jacob's words and actions, it is possible to see that his obedience is very helpful to him and his career. His easy compliance is so helpful because it shows respect for his superiors, who in turn respect Jacob, which advances his career in the circus.