Reading Notes: The Crocodile and the Monkey's Heart: Week 2 Reading Anthology
In the story of the Crocodile and the Monkey's Heart, compiled in a book by Marie L. Shedlock, it is interesting how at first glance one may see the monkey as the main character, but from a practical standpoint the crocodile is also a character who has done no wrong. As a husband he wished to provide for his wife, and as his wife was a carnivore by nature who consumed animals, he simply wanted to please her. While the monkey is easily sided with because no one wants the monkey to die, in terms of the food chain the crocodile is just trying to be a predator who can catch their prey, although rather than using the usual method of hunting he attempts to employ some wits instead. I could see this plot being rewritten as a comedy show for television where the crocodile and monkey meet under unfortunate circumstances or a misunderstanding, and end up becoming friends even with their opposite natures. The story is riveting because as a reader I wanted to know right away whether the crocodile succeeded or not, and within a few short lines the monkey managed to outwit the poor crocodile who just wanted to feed his wife.
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