Animal Characters

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The book explores the evolving roles of five animal species—horses, parrots, cats, turkeys, and sheep—during the Renaissance, highlighting their diminishing status and the shift in perceptions of nonhuman companions. As human character and identity emerged in literature, animals transitioned from revered beings to mere commodities, reflecting broader societal changes. Through analyses of various texts, including works by Shakespeare and Milton, the author reveals how these transformations in animal representation influenced the understanding of personhood and interspecies relationships in early modern Europe.