Probably Better to Read About an Octopus Than to House One

Shelby Van Pelt’s surprisingly successful first novel, Remarkably Bright Creatures, was the book 12 of us discussed at our wonderful Holiday Party in December! The story centered on Marcellus, an octopus in an aquarium open to the public…and his interactions with some of the staff members. Dennis described Marcellus as an incredibly smart, devious curmudgeon. Cindy noted his self-sacrificing nature; he left his tank to help specific people, thus endangering himself. I think the adventure aspect of leaving his cage was irresistible to him.

Along with our all enjoying the characteristic octopus’s nature of Marcellus, we agreed that the story would have been effective even if it took place far from the Pacific Northwest, where the aquarium was situated. Joyce noted that house pets act smartly about what they need. Marcia gave the example of a dog being jealous of another pet (often a dog) ensconced in the master’s bed: the dog goes to the window and barks, which tricks the other dog into leaving the bed to investigate the window, and then the jealous dog takes over the bed. Ken said that cats can learn around 83 commands but will obey them only if they want to. Dennis said that octopi might be the smartest animals, and Cindy had read that they have half a billion neurons within their 8 arms. Patricia suggested we think about how we would define “smart.” Dennis had a good answer: most animals don’t destroy their habitat the way we do!

One question asked us how we felt about keeping animals in captivity. Joyce remembered that Marcellus was rescued and placed in captivity. Also, bringing the book to a fine ending, Marcellus was released to the wild. I remembered being disturbed by the conditions at the Central Park Zoo when I was in college in New York City and noticing a huge improvement after the zoo was renovated in the early 2000s. Ken said he could make allowances for captivity if animals are given homes that support them well with the conditions they need. Joyce mentioned that the Barnum and Bailey company of circus fame has stopped showing animals. The circus was such an exciting feature during much of the 1900s! Sea World is also offering less of performing animal acts. Dennis said that the caging of and experimentation with lab animals he saw in college as a biology major disturbed him. Then we moved into the goods and evils of lab animals. Captivity can keep some species alive in our world. The idea was expressed that someday there might be nothing left but humans, rats, and cockroaches!

Thanks to Carla for nominating this book and stimulating our conversation with a mix of thoughtful questions about the story and the ethics and science of animal captivity. Thanks also to Lydia for hosting our Holiday Party at her festively decorated home. Nice ending to another good year of reading and discussing choice books!