Neotenic Representations in Gerald Durrell’s Works

Abstract

Neoteny refers to a set of infant-like characteristics which, if present in even adult non-human animals, are found endearing by humans and activates nurturing responses in them. These features are large eyes, short limbs, a large head compared to the body, upright posture and a generally rounded configuration etc. Konrad Lorenz calls these features collectively as ‘child schema.’ In culture industries, toy and doll-makers, as well as cartoon film-makers, exploit this tendency of their consumers to increase their sales by representing animals neotenically. It is a process of deliberate juvenilization. Though a form of anthropocentric representation, Gerald Durrell has shown in his works how neoteny can be used ecocentrically to change human attitudes towards neglected and so-called ‘ugly’ creatures. Combined often with anthropomorphism, neoteny becomes a potent tool in Durrell’s hands to fight anthropocentrism and promote ecocentrism.