Rights of the animals
Elizabeth Costello is a great admirer and supporter of animals, and of right of the animals. She states that animals must have the right to life, the right not to be subjected to pain or harm, the right to equal protection before the law. She gives different arguments of her ideas, which she mostly takes from history, philosophy, literature, and religion. Considering animals having a soul is one of her arguments.
Vegetarianism
Being such a devoted animals protector Elizabeth is surely a vegetarian, thus the theme of vegetarianism is opened in the novel as well. In the discussion at dinner many arguments sre given supposing the reasons for people becoming vegetarians – some find the roots of the ideas in education, other in religion. Elizabeth herself says that she is vegetarian with only one purpose – to save her soul, as she cannot eat beings also possessing souls.
Difference between men and animals
The main argument of difference between people and animals is the feeling of shame. The opponents of Elizabeth suggest that since animals do not possess that feeling, they cannot reckon on the same rights of people. Another differentiation is brought up in reasoning the meaning of death. In the final debate with the professor of philosophy, the theme of death and its understanding is brought up. What is crucial in his position is that animals do not have fear for death as people have, and life for an animal is not so important as for people.
