"Death of a Pig"

I thought this essay written by E.B. White was a very tragic story. At the beginning of the story, within the first paragraph, the ending of the story is revealed. But the attention of the readers is captured because they want to find out the entire story. It is very evident that the narrator likes routines. In the story the theme of having routines being interrupted and dealing with issues as they arise and death are very strong.

I liked how the pig was treated as a human. The idea that the narrator is a farmer, and yet he loves his animals so much is a very complex one.  The view of the pig evolves throughout the story.  The sicker the pig becomes and as more issues arise, the more the farmers’ love for the pig is evident. At the beginning of the essay, it is brought up how the purpose of the pig is to slaughter it for food. Then as the essay progresses, the pig is cared for and treated more as a human.  You could tell by the end of the essay that the farmer really loved the pig. This essay showed the bond between animals and humans. I also thought it was interesting how the pig wasn’t the only animal in the story who was treated like a human. Fred was the narrators’ dog. The idea that the narrator treats his animals like humans may relate to how he sees his own death is imminent through the death of the pig.

I thought it was very meaningful how the farmer took the time to burry the pig. Again, this showed the strong bond he felt to the pig. I think a lot of people feel that way about their pets. E.B White did an excellent job of revealing every emotion a person may feel when their beloved pet or pig, in this case, is ill.