Essay Questions

How does the author depict the sense of sight to readers in his essay?

Locke categorically compares human experiences to animals to depict the sense of sight to readers. Locked describes animals' behaviors and allows readers to compare them to human beings. According to Locke, human beings are advanced animals, but they share many aspects. For instance, animals experience hunger and the urge to produce sexually. Similarly, human beings eat and engage in sex to reproduce. Therefore, readers are challenged to observe what animals do and compare what they do to a man.

What is the symbolic meaning of animal nature as used by the author?

The author uses animal nature symbolically to represent the human experience. According to science, human beings are advanced animals who have God-given abilities to control other animals. Locke uses the animal analogy to remind readers that they are progressive and are supposed to take care of other animals. Nevertheless, human beings can think better and do more extraordinary things than other animals.

According to Locke, how does language shape the mind?

Unlike other animals, Locke argues that human beings are unique because they have a coded language that shapes their thinking and communication. The human kingdom is creative and innovative, an attribute that lacks in the animal kingdom. Locke keenly studies man's linguistic abilities, and he concludes that language shapes the human mind in two aspects. Firstly, human beings can use both spoken and coded language to coordinate well when doing activities. Secondly, language helps man to interpret creativity and innovation.