The Incredible Journey Literary Elements

Adventure, Animal Fiction

The story is set in the Canadian wilderness during autumn, spanning vast forests, rivers, mountains, and small towns.

The novel is narrated from a third-person omniscient perspective, offering detailed insights into the thoughts, instincts, and behaviors of the three animals—Luath, Bodger, and Tao—while also providing glimpses into the lives of the humans who help them or await their return.

The tone is compassionate and reverent, reflecting the author’s admiration for the resilience and loyalty of the animal characters. The mood alternates between tense and uplifting, as the animals face life-threatening challenges and heartwarming moments of camaraderie and perseverance.

The protagonists are the three animals: Luath, a young Labrador retriever; Bodger, an old bull terrier; and Tao, a Siamese cat. The antagonists are the various natural and situational obstacles they encounter, including hunger, predators, weather, and injuries, which test their endurance and loyalty.

The central conflict is the animals’ struggle to survive the treacherous journey through the wilderness while relying on their instincts and their bond with one another to overcome the dangers they face, all in their quest to reunite with their human family.

The climax occurs when the animals reach their family’s home. Though each is battered and weary from the journey, their reunion with the Hunter family is a deeply emotional moment that validates their extraordinary loyalty and determination.

The early description of each animal’s unique traits—Luath’s strength, Bodger’s stubbornness, and Tao’s resourcefulness—foreshadows how these qualities will be critical to their survival and success throughout the journey.

The narrative occasionally downplays the severity of the animals’ hardships, such as hunger and injuries, emphasizing their perseverance and resilience instead of dwelling on their suffering. This understatement allows the story to focus on hope and determination rather than despair.

The novel subtly alludes to the bond between humans and animals, drawing parallels to classic stories of loyalty and adventure, such as Lassie Come-Home. It also references the natural cycle of life in the wilderness, highlighting the instincts that drive both predator and prey.

Burnford uses vivid imagery to bring the Canadian wilderness to life, describing its rivers, forests, and wildlife in rich detail. This imagery immerses readers in the animals’ journey, making their challenges and triumphs more tangible.

The relationship between the animals and the wilderness is paradoxical. While the wild is a source of danger and hardship, it also provides the animals with the resources and freedom they need to complete their journey, highlighting both its harshness and beauty.

The journey of the three animals parallels the loyalty and love they have for their human family. Just as they overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges to return home, the family’s unwavering belief in their pets’ return mirrors this emotional connection.

The wilderness serves as a metonym for the challenges of survival and the unpredictability of nature, representing both the beauty and the dangers faced by the animals. The trio of animals can be seen as a synecdoche for themes of loyalty, resilience, and the enduring bond between species.

The animals are personified with emotions and motivations, such as loyalty, courage, and determination. This personification makes their journey relatable and engaging, while still respecting their animal instincts and behaviors.