![]() ![]() In a compelling ending, the more challenging question Applegate poses is whether or not Ivan will remember what it was like to be a gorilla. ![]() In order to express his plea in a painting, Ivan must bravely face buried memories of the lush jungle, his family and their brutal murder, which is recounted in a brief, powerful chapter sure to arouse readers’ passions. In a pivotal scene, Ivan finally admits his domain is a cage, and rather than let Ruby live and die in grim circumstances, he promises to save her. His sorrow is palpable, but he stoically endures the cruelty of humans until Ruby the baby elephant is abused. Fittingly, Ivan narrates his tale in short, image-rich sentences and acute, sometimes humorous, observations that are all the more heartbreaking for their simple delivery. ![]() He describes their behavior as frantic, whereas he is a peaceful artist. Living in a "domain" of glass, metal and cement at the Big Top Mall, Ivan sometimes forgets whether to act like a gorilla or a human-except Ivan does not think much of humans. How Ivan confronts his harrowing past yet stays true to his nature exemplifies everything youngsters need to know about courage. ![]()
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