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Thus, we can begin to perceive the value of practical zoocriticism’s
interdisciplinary approach. Through this
detailed re-contextualization, I have
demonstrated that, prior to Seton and Roberts, representations of animals in
Canadian literature were based on the utility of the nonhuman character,
whether as object or anthropomorphic prop. Likewise, their attempts
to write
about animals who lived
for their own ends
and
on their own terms
, can now be
understood through Canada’s ineffectual animal welfare and conservation laws.
I have illuminated the shared language of Salt, Seton, and Roberts and
indicated the possibility that they encountered his work (or its impact) while
living abroad. I have also given examples of their direct engagement with
animal advocacy. By exploring the scientific
contexts of their work, I have
elucidated the theory of animal mind that informed their stories. In the following
chapter,
I will argue that Seton
’s and Roberts’ representations of animal minds
are aligned with Romanes’
work and that, if his criteria are used, they can even
be described as ‘accurate.’ Finally, I have also demonstrated the crucial
role of
scientific professionalization in shaping the scientific and literary environments
into which Seton
’s and Roberts’ stories would be received.