Essay and feedback

The Hyena is illustrated as grotesque through the religious connotations established through ‘it is ugly beyond redemption’. The term ‘redemption’ has biblical allusion , illustrating the Hyena is so preternatural in ugliness in terms of its appearance , not even God can save the Hyena. The metaphor is also symbolic to how the Hyena is a damned creature who has been punished by God , suggesting it’s appearance is a consequence for a wider cause. This further accentuates the loathsome appearance of the Hyena as he is segregated from the rest of humanity and other animals and aligned with those who reject God , suggesting the Hyena’s vexatious appearance is almost troubling and requires segregation

The Hyena’s appearance is also characterised as indignant and abhorrent through the segregation of the Hyena from other animals. The contrast highlighted between other animals and the Hyena create a vast realisation for the reader that the Hyena is paradoxically unique in terms of its indignant appearance. The hyperbole utilised in ‘the mouth is forever open and panting’ creates a lasting impression that resonates with the reader. It paints an image of the Hyena’s appearance of being something which is permanent and irreversible , and that the Hyena’s paradoxical appearance is fixed and lasting. The verb ‘panting’ also creates a unpleasing image , the Hyena cannot regularly breathe but pants creating an impression of isolation but also irregularity , creating a broader image for it’s abominable appearance.