This paper examines Barbara Kingsolver's novel Animal Dreams as a metaphorical lens for understanding the real-world consequences of water pollution on human fertility and ecological sustainability. Drawing on the novel's central themes — rivers as sources of life, community action, and environmental neglect — the paper connects fictional events to documented environmental issues including the Clean Water Act, EPA shortcomings, and ongoing freshwater degradation. The analysis argues that government inaction, public disengagement, and everyday pollution habits collectively threaten mankind's future. The paper concludes by proposing education, community involvement, and stronger legislative commitment as pathways toward restoring ecological and human fertility.
Continued inadequate attention to the world's rivers, lakes, and streams will ultimately result in mankind's demise. To ensure the productivity and viability of the earth in the future, mankind must start working together to protect the physical environment and ecological processes — or face destruction. Government legislation and community action related to this issue have largely been inadequate up to this point. More proactive measures are necessary from both governmental officials and community members to significantly change the course of history in a positive manner.
From an ecological viewpoint, of key concern are humankind's natural bodies of water, which historically have nourished and supported human life. In recent years, however, continual pollution and exposure to environmental toxins have diminished the supply and quality of water and aquatic life in the world's natural bodies of water. There are no signs that water pollution is significantly declining despite previous legislation and efforts by some community members. Brough (1998) shows that over-consumption and pollution continue to accelerate, contributing to the destruction of the world's natural water resources. The World Wide Fund for Nature recently reported that whole seas are losing up to 70 percent of their water; in addition, more than 60 percent of freshwater species — including fish and birds — are declining. Still other reports suggest that virtually all of nature may be "killed off within 50 years unless politicians act now" (Brough, p. 15).
Time and time again, mankind has disregarded vital ecological processes in favor of development and modern conveniences. Despite measures to reduce water pollution, mankind has continually dragged its feet. This fact is clearly demonstrated by the Clean Water Act of 1977, whose aims included achieving pollution control. The deadline for establishing safe levels for pollutant discharges was continually extended by government officials. Presidents Reagan and Nixon both vetoed measures aimed at revising and strengthening the Clean Water Act, suggesting mankind's blatant lack of regard for environmental concerns (Freedman & Bikki, p. 22). This lack of regard for nature undermines the integrity of the natural environment. Despite repeated attempts by ecologists and environmentalists to protect nature, humankind continues to engage in harmful behaviors.
Such continued disregard for the environment may ultimately shape the world of the future, resulting in an inhospitable environment that harms rather than nourishes humankind. At most risk from humankind's disregard for ecological processes are the world's natural water sources, including rivers and streams. Studies suggest that almost all water basins in the United States are affected by pollution — whether from industrial or municipal discharges (Freedman & Jaggi, p. 23). Without decisive measures to protect the world's water sources, these resources will dwindle beyond the point of redemption.
Since the early 1970s, the U.S. government has slowly acknowledged the need to enact pollution control legislation protecting the nation's bodies of water. In 1972, for example, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments were passed despite President Nixon's veto (Freedman & Jaggi, p. 21). These amendments aimed to reduce water pollution primarily from point sources — that is, sources that discharge waste into bodies of water through discrete piping or ditches.
Kingsolver, in her work Animal Dreams, points out that ecology is a politically and scientifically legitimate social issue. Kingsolver metaphorically refers to the river in Grace as a source of fertility for both individuals and the community — or mankind as a whole. The author clearly shows through a variety of plot developments how rivers and streams suffering from pollution and inattention will ultimately lead to humankind's demise. In Grace, each character's livelihood or existence is intimately tied to nature (Valens, 2005). The community rejoices when the river runs well, as they depend on it for their livelihood. However, humankind's daily habits and activities — such as mining — contribute to pollution that ultimately affects the well-being of all community members.
The river in the work is regarded as having power ultimately over life and death (Valens, 2005). This sentiment echoes real life, where mankind relies on clean water to sustain life. Water as a source of power is clearly demonstrated through the thoughts and actions of Doc Homer, who recognizes the power the river holds over human life (Valens, 2005) and regards this power with due authority. One of the central themes in Kingsolver's work is fertility. The author suggests that mankind's fertility — or ability to reproduce and continue — is promoted but also potentially inhibited by the river. The author proposes that the destruction of nature's bountiful waterways will ultimately lead to an infertile society, one incapable of sustaining life for future generations. Codi represents this infertility early in Animal Dreams, as she is unable to have children (Valens, 2005). Codi is an example of what may happen to humankind if the world's natural water sources are destroyed. Mankind's connection to the future would be severed, just as Codi seems to lose her connection with both past and future, as demonstrated in Chapter 3.
All the mysteries of life in the work are linked to fertility, and rivers are but one natural source of fertility for mankind. Early in the novel, Grace is portrayed as a fertile valley in part because it is connected to a bountiful river. Pecan trees and fruit orchards flourish in this mining town, and the orchard's upkeep is a primary concern among community members. The author later demonstrates how mankind's trust in environmental agencies — including the Environmental Protection Agency — to protect natural resources may be misplaced (Valens, 2005). Real-life environmentalists who often question government structures "for dealing with environmental pollution," which often "defy effective and concerted action," echo this sentiment (Freedman & Bikki, p. 3). It is important to recognize, however, that the EPA's primary concern involves environmental protection, and the goals of this organization are admirable. It is not enough to be admirable, however, when the livelihood of mankind may be contingent on its actions (Verweij, 2000). Members of the EPA must work more closely with community members to enact legislation that is powerful, effective, and meaningful.
The author also demonstrates that those who care for the earth are fertile. One may also assume, after reading this work, that fertility and bounty are things that can be earned, learned, and shared. This is evident in the character Loyd, who helps nourish and cultivate the earth in the novel. The author suggests that one who cultivates is also capable of reproducing and sharing one's own fertility or bounty with others. Loyd's connection with Codi helps the two of them strengthen the community and ultimately restore fertility to the earth (Valens, 2005) — and to themselves, in Codi's case. Magnuson (1999) supports this sentiment, suggesting that the earth will "take care of itself" if mankind works to minimize its impact on the natural world and recognize the importance of water to the quality of human life (p. 902).
The future of water and our culture, according to this researcher, depends on mankind's ability to fund rigorous research and commit itself to the natural world. If mankind does so, it may enjoy bounty and fertility for many years to come. Unfortunately, modern-day trends suggest that bounty and fertility are not yet a top concern among legislators and community members. It may take tragic or drastic events — such as those that occur in Animal Dreams — for beneficial change to occur in government policy surrounding environmentalism.
"Legislative failures and public indifference enable pollution"
"Rain gardens, TMDL programs, and citizen coalitions offer hope"
It is vital that citizens and government officials take action now to protect the world's natural water resources (Brannon, 2002). Individuals do not have time to wait for personal tragedy to occur before they realize the significance that our natural bodies of water have to offer. Mankind must recognize now how vital natural water is to life's sustenance and to mankind's future fertility. Only through education and awareness, as well as firm commitment from governing authorities, is significant and meaningful change likely to occur.
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