This term paper deals with The Planets of the Apes trilogy and especially the characters of Caesar and Nova. Focus is set on the interspecies connections between humans and apes. Its approach is to, firstly, embed the franchise in the scientific background. I will focus on my methodology and briefly introduce the framework of recent findings in primatology. For that, Darwin’s The Descent of Man, and Selection in Relation to Sex as well as papers by Borkfelt and Call and Tomasello, regarding the concepts of othering, speciesism and the influence of humans on apes, will be included.
To prove my hypothesis regarding the characters of Caesar and Nova, seven scenes which demonstrate their special roles as mediators across the species will be analyzed. Contrary to novels or texts, films use a variety of techniques in order to illustrate the storyline instead of relying on the imagination of the reader. My major aim in the analysis is to examine, how certain techniques like facial expressions or sounds create a meaning, namely that Caesar and Nova can be considered mediators between humans and apes. A final conclusion will sum up and evaluate the main results.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- The Rise of Primatology
- Caesar as a Mediator in The Planet of the Apes Trilogy.
- Rise of the Planet of the Apes - The Escape
- Dawn of the Planet of the Apes - Discussion with the Humans
- War for the Planet of the Apes – Standing up for the Apes
- War for the Planet of the Apes - Death
- Nova as a Mediator in The Planet of the Apes Trilogy.
- Friendship with Luca
- Feeding Caesar in the Army Base
- Preparation for the Escape
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to analyze the roles of Caesar and Nova as mediators between humans and apes in the Planet of the Apes trilogy. The paper will draw on research in primatology to provide a theoretical framework for understanding the complex relationship between humans and apes, and how the trilogy contributes to this discussion. It will examine how Caesar and Nova, despite their different backgrounds, act as bridges between the two species.
- Interspecies Connections in The Planet of the Apes Trilogy
- Caesar and Nova as Mediators
- Primatological Research and the "Othering" of Apes
- Human Influence on Ape Cognitive Development
- The Impact of the Trilogy on Understanding Human-Ape Relationships
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter introduces the concept of interspecies connections in The Planet of the Apes trilogy and sets the stage for analyzing the roles of Caesar and Nova. It discusses the relevance of primatological research and the impact of the franchise on understanding human-ape relationships.
The second chapter delves into the rise of primatology, providing a theoretical framework for understanding the relationship between humans and apes. It explores concepts like "othering," speciesism, and the influence of human contact on ape cognitive development. The chapter draws on the works of Darwin, Borkfelt, Call, and Tomasello to highlight the complexities of the human-ape relationship and how the trilogy reflects these complexities.
Chapter 3 focuses on Caesar's role as a mediator between humans and apes. It examines specific scenes from the trilogy that illustrate his ability to bridge the gap between the two species. The analysis considers how certain techniques, such as facial expressions or sounds, contribute to the understanding of Caesar as a mediator. This chapter explores Caesar's unique position as an ape raised in a human environment, and how his experiences have shaped his perspective.
Chapter 4 analyzes Nova's role as a mediator between humans and apes. It examines scenes from the trilogy that illustrate her ability to connect with both human and ape communities. The analysis considers her unique perspective as a human who sympathizes with the apes, and how her actions contribute to bridging the gap between the species.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and focus topics of this paper include: interspecies connections, primatology, "othering," speciesism, human influence on apes, The Planet of the Apes trilogy, Caesar, Nova, mediation, human-ape relationships, cognitive development, social cognition.
- Quote paper
- Bauke Janssen (Author), 2021, Interspecies Connections in The Planet of the Apes Trilogy. Caesar and Nova as Mediators between Humans and Apes, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1132243
