Babe

In the film, "Babe: Pig in the City", there is an obvious depiction of true anthropomorphism. Every animal in the movie has human traits which makes the main focus of the film be on the animals and their capacity to behave like humans. Many emotions are also depicted which allows the viewer to be drawn into the plot and even identify with the characters. I also thought it was intersting how the film distinguished between the two women who were fond of the animals and the majority of the humans who strongly disliked the animals.

I think the major theme that can be discussed with the film is one that concerns an outcast attempting to fit in with society. To take it a step farther, it seems as if smaller themes fit into this one. For example, when Babe and his owner get to the city, Babe has to fit in and almost prove himself to the other animals. He eventually gains their respect. Likewise, Mrs. Hoggett has to alter her country lifestyle and learn to keep herself safe in the city. While all this is going on, the animals and humans appear to be against eachother when the city officials come to take the animals away. This depicts the idea that some people try to "draw the line" between animals and humans and prove one's superiority over the other.

The variuos obstacles the animals had to overcome not only reveals their human-like abilities but also incorporates a sense of pity the viewer can't help but feel towards the animals. In essence, the animals are portrayed as cute animals with a sense of humor; this contrasts the dark personalities of the humans (except for the landlady and Mrs. Hoggett). In relation to Midgley's thoughts about putting forth effort to understand animals, it seems that this was proven to be true in that the landlady fostered the animals and had an understanding with them.