The similarities between humans and animals
Countee Cullen’s most important theme in the poem Thoughts in a Zoo is the similarities between humans and animals. The poem fundamentally looks at what makes humans behave like other animals. The animals with similar attributes to humans include moles, snakes, and eagles. For instance, the poet looks at the behavior of moles and compares it with what humans do. The nature of moles is burrowing, which is similar to introverted humans who prefer staying alone in places where people do not disturb them. The extrovert humans are compared to snakes that confidently roam on the ground. The reader notes that humans are advanced creatures, but they behave in similar ways to animals.
The animosity between humans and animals
The poet shares the rage between humans and animals. Animals do not have the power to control humans, but they defend themselves when threatened. However, humans can alter the lives of animals. For instance, humans put animals in cages and protected areas such as game parks and ranges to control their movement. However, the poet notes that the animals are unhappy with humans' activities and actions, often resulting in human-animal conflict. The zoo in this poem is symbolic of a cruel trap or cage, which humans use to curtail the freedom of animals.
