The euthanization of animals is viewed as an act of mercy.
To end the suffering of an animal by taking its life, when there is nothing
else which can ease the suffering, is viewed as something positive. However,
when the subject of euthanizing humans is brought up, controversy ensues. I
believe that the controversy which surrounds human euthanization, but not other
animal euthanization, comes from humankind’s unwillingness to accept the fact
that we are nothing more than animals ourselves. Humans tend to believe that our
intelligence and the ways our species has conquered the rest of the natural
world sets us apart or makes us better in some way. I would argue that it doesn't.
We are nothing more than animals; no better and no worse than any other
species. When one considers this point of view, human euthanization is no worse
than non-human euthanization.
Old Woman Magoun definitely shares the same view
point as me. She tries to find a way out for Lily by trying to have Lily
adopted by a wealthy family in a few towns over. When this fails she
understands that there is nothing else she can do: as Nelson reflects, “she
understood much better than her sex in general the futility of withstanding the
inevitable.” To prevent her granddaughter’s suffering, she allows Lily to
consume deadly nightshade berries and end her life. I view this as an act of mercy
and would argue that the way Magoun comforts Lily as she is dying shows that
Magoun is trying to make her passing as smooth as possible, much like the way animal
euthanasia methods are designed to cause minimal pain and distress. I think the
texts comparison of Isabel Barry to a dog: “She had learned with her feeble
intellect some tricks, like a dog”, only further proves my point. We can in
turn imagine that Lily would have become very dog like herself and imagining
Lily as a dog makes it easier for the reader to view her euthanization as a merciful act.
This blog was inspired by an analogy Charles made in his previous post:The Moral Dilemma in Freeman's "Old Woman Magoun."
ReplyDeleteYou raise an excellent point in your argument: "the controversy which surrounds human euthanization, but not other animal euthanization, comes from humankind’s unwillingness to accept the fact that we are nothing more than animals ourselves." I think that this sentiment explains why we are so uncomfortable with Old Woman Magoun's "killing" Lily, because as a species have an elevated sense of existence and importance. Coupled with the angelic depictions of Lily, with her "prolonged childhood" (419), readers are even more so made to feel antagonistic (potentially) against OWM for Lily's death. I think this is definitely a rhetorical move by Freeman; if Lily were less lovable/innocent, would we be as crushed by her dying?
ReplyDeleteI love this post, Morgan. It is very insightful to the euthanization. I would agree that Lily's innocence is the main reason it is so difficult to accept her death. Innocence is coveted, and protected. Many people can watch horror movies where people are slaughtered and not flinch, but if the same person were to watch Old Yeller, tears would be likely. The difference is the innocence seen in dogs, and children, verses the corruption seen in adults in horror movies. Old Woman Magoun's actions may be questionable, but she succeeded in keeping Lily's innocence, which is proven by the reaction of the reader.
ReplyDeleteI like the points both Morgan and Kristi bring up. I definitely like the correlations with animal euthanization that Morgan brings up; particularly in relation to how some characters are described as animals. Kristi, I think that you bring up a terrific point about people's reaction to horror movies and movies about animals. Both points make me see the story in a new light.
ReplyDeleteI like the point that you made, Morgan. You opened up a door that I never really considered. The only thing that I can see that justifies euthanization of animals, such as a dog or a cat, more than a human is that most animals are deathly ill before they are put to sleep. In this case, Lily was not ill, and her innocence, like most of our class, has stated is the main reason why it is a struggle to accept the fact that her grandmother allowed her to eat poisonous berries.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate this comparison, although I wonder if it goes too far to say that the euthanization of human beings vs other animals is basically the same thing. As humans, we have the cognitive ability to make our wants known. I don't think people should be euthanized without a choice. I fully support a person's right to choose a physician assisted suicide if they're suffering from a terminal illness. I also think it is fine to euthanize sick animals. While I understand Old Woman Magoun's motives, I have to wonder if Lily would have preferred to be dead rather than go to live with this man. When people start making life or death decisions for other people I have to wonder what gives them that authority.
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