The Incredible Journey

Sheila Burnford

“The Incredible Journey,” a novel by Sheila Burnford, is a riveting tale of perseverance and friendship told through the journey of three brave pets. The story expertly employs literary devices such as vivid imagery, foreshadowing, and anthropomorphism. These techniques breathe life into the characters, making the readers feel as if they are embarking on the arduous, yet heartwarming, journey alongside the loyal animal companions.

Themes 📚

1. Perseverance

In “The Incredible Journey,” one of the central themes is perseverance. The animals — Luath, Tao, and Bodger — despite facing numerous obstacles, never give up on their journey. Their determination to return home illustrates the power of resilience and determination.

2. Loyalty and Friendship

The three pets display unwavering loyalty to each other and their human family. Despite their differences, they depend on each other for survival, showcasing the importance of friendship and teamwork.

3. Survival and Adaptation

As the pets traverse through unfamiliar terrains, they must adapt to survive. This theme reflects the importance of adaptation in overcoming challenges. The animals rely on their instincts and learned skills to find food, avoid dangers, and navigate through the wilderness.

4. Man vs. Nature

The novel presents the classic theme of man (or in this case, pets) versus nature. The animals encounter various natural obstacles, such as rivers, wild animals, and harsh weather conditions. Their struggle emphasizes the indifference of nature and the struggle to survive against its odds.

5. The Bond Between Humans and Animals

The book explores the deep bond between humans and their pets. Despite the hardships, the animals are driven by their love and loyalty towards their human family. Their journey signifies the depth of attachment pets have with their owners.

Use of Literary Devices ✍🏽

1. Imagery

“The Incredible Journey” uses rich imagery to describe the landscapes and environments the animals traverse. This helps readers visualize the harsh conditions and beautiful wilderness that the animals encounter during their journey.

2. Anthropomorphism

The animals in the novel are portrayed with human-like thoughts, emotions, and traits. This device helps the reader empathize with the animals and understand their experiences more deeply.

3. Foreshadowing

The author uses foreshadowing to hint at potential dangers or difficulties the pets might face in their journey. This creates suspense and keeps the readers engaged.

4. Symbolism

The journey itself is a significant symbol in the novel. It represents perseverance, friendship, and loyalty, reinforcing the book’s central themes.

5. Metaphor

The novel uses metaphors to make comparisons and deepen the understanding of the characters and their experiences. For example, the harsh wilderness could be seen as a metaphor for life’s challenges.

6. Allusion

The story contains allusions to real-life places and cultural practices, grounding the fictional journey in a believable reality.

7. Simile

Similes are used to make comparisons that help readers better understand the animals’ experiences. For example, one might say that Tao moved “as silently as a shadow” to illustrate his stealth.

8. Irony

Irony is used in the novel to highlight the unexpected outcomes in the story. For instance, the domestic pets’ ability to survive in the wild challenges our usual perceptions of pets as dependent creatures.

9. Conflict

The story contains various types of conflict, including man vs. nature and man vs. self (as the animals grapple with their own limitations). These conflicts drive the plot forward.

10. Flashback

Flashbacks are used to provide background information about the animals and their bond with their human family, helping readers understand the motivations behind their journey.

Examples of Literary Devices 📋

1. Foreshadowing

Example	Explanation
A) Early on, the animals’ extraordinary sense of direction is mentioned, foreshadowing their long journey home.	Their sense of direction and unity is highlighted, which prepares the reader for their later journey across the Canadian wilderness to return home.
B) The animals’ distinct personalities and skills are established at the beginning.	Each animal’s unique skills and qualities (Luath’s speed, Bodger’s leadership, and Tao’s hunting abilities) are foreshadowed early in the book, and they play a critical role in their survival and success throughout their journey.
C) When the animals first set out on their journey, there are several indications of the harsh conditions they will face.	The ominous descriptions of the wilderness foreshadow the many obstacles and challenges that the pets will encounter on their journey.

2. Symbolism

Example	Explanation
A) The journey itself is symbolic of perseverance and loyalty.	The animals’ arduous journey serves as a symbol of their dedication and loyalty to their family, overcoming great odds to return home.
B) The different species of the pets symbolize the power of unity despite differences.	The pets – a Labrador retriever, an old English bull terrier, and a Siamese cat – symbolize diversity and unity. Despite their differences, they work together and rely on each other for survival.
C) The collar that Bodger wears is a symbol of his old age and experience.	The collar is a reminder of Bodger’s age, his past, and the wisdom he brings to the group. It serves as a symbol of his identity and his long life.

3. Personification

Example	Explanation
A) Throughout the novel, the animals are attributed human characteristics, such as thoughts, emotions, and motivations.	This is a consistent use of personification that enables readers to connect with the pets on a deeper level, emphasizing their determination, fear, and joy during the journey.
B) The wilderness is often described as if it had human qualities.	The wilderness is sometimes described as ‘unforgiving’, ‘threatening’, or ‘welcoming’, which personifies it and makes it an active participant in the story, adding drama and tension.
C) The animals’ loyalty to their owners is described in a very human way.	The animals are depicted as displaying a deep and abiding loyalty to their human family, showing an emotion that we typically associate with humans. This personification underscores the depth of their commitment to their journey.

FAQs 💭