Introduction
The Last Unicorn, by author Peter Beagle, is one of the most famous fantasy works on which films have been made. The story’s central image is a unicorn who journeys to discover why he is the last of his kind. The unicorn’s path is complex and consists of many different stories and characters they meet. In this context, Red Bull is one of the driving elements throughout history and is an element of symbolism. Thus, the Red Bull consists of many themes and ideas that help to better reveal the main plot by creating auxiliary platforms.
The Red Bull as a Symbol of Oppression and Captivity
Throughout the novel, one can recognize how the Red Bull can represent the symbolism of oppression and captivity. This is pretty easy to recognize since, in the beginning, the Bull is used by King Haggard with his court sorcerer to secure greater dominance and subjugation of people. The presence of the Bull can also be seen as a constant threat to all other creatures because he controls the forest and oppresses the unicorns. They are kept imprisoned and powerless to limit their freedom. The symbolism also plays a vital role in works by famous fantasy writers such as J. R. R. Tolkien (Babu and Vishnuvardhan 1211).
Parallels with Symbolism in Tolkien’s Work
In his novel The Lord of the Rings, the author uses Gollum for similar purposes, displaying a symbol of imprisonment and helplessness over his own destiny (Tolkien 196). There, he represents dark forces and negative characters who are preparing to seize control of the world, similar to King Haggard’s behavior. He also uses the Red Bull to demonstrate his power and strength and prevent his power from falling into his opponents’ hands.
Transformation Through Encounter
At the same time, in the image of the Red Bull, one can consider some positive symbols, such as the transformation and changes that occur with the characters throughout the story. On its way, a unicorn who searched for his relatives meets a bull. As a result, he turns into a mortal woman, which clearly shows the symbolism of change (Beagle 198). This transformation is an essential moment in the development of history. It allows the unicorn to perceive the world differently, not as he used to before, but considering human experiences.
The Hero’s Journey and the Theme of Change
The idea of transformation is also present in many fantasy works since, due to the nature of the genre, it can be easily woven into the plot. An example is the protagonist archetype in The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell. The travel process includes many aspects of the perception of new experiences and awareness of those previously inaccessible to the character (Campbell 7).
Thus, heroes can change their ideals depending on their development during the journey (Glynos 4). The hero overcomes many difficulties, seeks to know himself, and fights his inner demons to find a better future and understanding of the world around him. Similarly, in The Last Unicorn, the Red Bull illustrates a transformative journey that can bring something new into many people’s lives that will change them.
Fear, Darkness, and the Red Bull’s Intimidating Presence
The symbolism of the Red Bull in the work of Peter Beagle can also be interpreted as an association with fear and darkness. This arises because the Bull is portrayed throughout the novel as a frightening creature that promises danger and can threaten those who approach it (Beagle 16). This effect is achieved due to the depiction of him as a terrifying creature that can kill anyone who crosses his path or interferes with the execution of the king’s orders. The use of fear and a visible threat is characteristic of many fantasy works, as they describe negative characters opposed to the forces of good. This technique creates tension in the story and makes readers empathize with the main characters.
In addition, the Red Bull is associated with several more symbolic images of darkness and ominousness. During his journey through the fantasy world, the unicorn meets many creatures who are engulfed by the evil forces of darkness. In rebirth into dark beings, they completely lose their perception of the world as it is – a bright and favorable place. The Red Bull is a common representation and embodiment of these dark forces called upon to destroy the remnants of beauty in the world, along with light magic.
The ideas of darkness and overcoming it through a journey through a dangerous world can be traced in the work The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis. In this novel, the symbolic embodiment of evil and dark forces is the White Witch, who threatens to destroy the world and capture all its beauty and fabulousness (Lewis 12). These ideas in both works allowed the authors to create the necessary resonance, which made it possible to keep the reader in suspense. This tension emerges from the awareness of the constant danger that comes from the enemies of the main characters. Thus, as the plot develops, interest in books increases, forcing one to empathize with the characters and understand their actions to fight evil.
Shared Captivity
The concept of captivity and oppression is personified by the Red Bull in such a way that when the unicorn is caught, it meets the Bull. This symbolizes captivity and submission since the Bull serves King Haggard in the same way the main character was brought. At the same time, the Red Bull is not a full member of the royal servants but is also in captivity like the unicorn, although it must follow the orders of Haggard.
The fact that the Bull is used to maintain power over the kingdom confirms that he is the only creature that can drive away the unicorns while guaranteeing the king’s power. The symbol of bondage through the image of a bull is especially pronounced because the author did not endow him with the ability to speak. This demonstrates that his silence is tantamount to serving the king against his will.
The Red Bull’s Visual Imagery and Ominous Presence
The symbolism of darkness and ominousness is emphasized by the fact that throughout the novel, the descriptions of the Bull always focus on a dark, menacing color and an ominous aura. This is further emphasized by the fact that Red Bull appears only at night in the complete absence of light. He hunts in the shadows, relying on the sense of fear that comes from his prey.
Another interesting aspect of the Red Bull in the Beagle’s work is that this animal initially has a somewhat deceptive impression of itself. Despite all the seeming threat and anger, the Bull combines both male and female features. On the one hand, the stereotypically masculine qualities of a bull are demonstrated quite often when the reader is told about his power and masculinity and how strong this creature is. As mentioned above, he even helps King Haggard capture unicorns due to his strength and ability to capture and hold them. However, the Bull also has feminine features, so at the novel’s end, it turns out to be a female creature.
Gender Duality and Symbolic Contrast in the Red Bull
This gender ambiguity is essential in several ways, as it helps to broaden the theme of identity and gender throughout the story as a subplot. The characters often have to deal with various innuendos that arise for various reasons throughout the book. Thus, this motif is intertwined with the duality of gender that underlies the relationship between the unicorn and the Bull. Contrast and opposition are essential components, meaning they can be similar parts of one whole. Thus, the characters try to reconcile the confrontation within themselves by going through many trials and learning important lessons.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it should be said that the Red Bull in The Work of the Beagle is a complex and thoughtful character that significantly affects the story. A rich fantasy world can be an interesting place to develop character qualities that symbolically represent some of the real world’s problems. The Red Bull, as a prominent representative of the symbolism in The Last Unicorn, can be viewed from many angles. However, every aspect, such as gender, overcoming difficulties, and facing evil forces, is shown through the character so that the reader can understand all these meanings.
Works Cited
Babu, R. Karthick, and V. Vishnuvardhan. “The Impact of Fantasy and Symbolism in CS Lewis’‘The Chronicles of Narnia’.” Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 17.2, 2022. Web.
Beagle, Peter S. The Last Unicorn. Viking Press, 1968.
Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. 3rd ed., New World Library, 2012.
Glynos, Jason. “Critical fantasy studies.” Journal of language and politics 20.1, 2021, 95-111. Web.
Lewis, Clive Staples. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Harper Collins Publisher, 1980.
Tolkien, John Ronald Reuel. The Lord of the Rings. HarperCollins, 1991.