"Faithful Elephants" by Yukio Tsuchiya - Reading Response (Caroline R.)

The story "Faithful Elephants" by Yukio Tsuchiya is about how the war in Japan drove a zoo to kill all of their animals, including three kind elephants named John, Tonky, and Wanly. This picture book tries to tell readers that the bond between a person and an animal cannot be broken, no matter what. This is shown when the zoo stops feeding Tonky and Wanly, when Tonky and Wanly were dying, and the moments after their death.

The first time this is brought up is when the zoo attempts to kill Tonky and Wanly. For example, their trainer says, "You poor, poor, pitiful elephants!" and wouldn't step away from their cage. This shows that he would remain loyal to them, trying to be a comfort even in the elephants' last moments. Another example is when the elephants do their banzai trick. This proves that even though they're being starved, they still love their trainer and wish to please him.

The second time we see this theme is when the elephants are dying. For example, the trainer throws them some food and water. This shows that he loves them so much, he is willing to get in potentially huge trouble to keep his elephants alive. Another example is when it says, "Their eyes appeared clearer and more beautiful than ever." This is once they have ceased movement. It proves that even though the elephants are about to die, they understand that it is not their trainer's fault, and they are now at peace.

The final time the theme makes an appearance is in the moments after Tonky and Wanly's death. For instance, the trainer runs in and begins sobbing. This shows that, even though he knew and had prepared for this moment, it still affects him like the death of his own child. He loved his elephants more than anything. Another example is when the zookeeper is crying after finishing the story. This proves that the bond between them was so strong, their deaths still affect him many years later.

In conclusion, "Faithful Elephants" is a story about love, sacrifice, and most of all, loyalty, shown through the various stages of death the elephants go through. It proves that the connection a person has for an animal is stronger than anything else. Really, it's a lesson the rest of the world can learn something from. People are always getting angry at each other and holding lifelong grudges, but they should instead be like Tonky and Wanly; faithful, even in death. Life would be far more peaceful, and people would be happier.