Only Rosemary’s father appears to conceptualise Fern in terms of her animal status an object of study. Fern becomes ‘sister’ to Rosemary and Lowell, and ‘daughter’ to Rosemary’s mother, and the family grow through their common socialisation and identify in every sense as a two parent, three child home. Rosemary’s early childhood is presented as the time when critical attachments are formed within the family. In this way, the reader is able to bring their own preconceived notions and understanding of what constitutes a family and, more broadly, kinship connections, into their interpretation of the narrative. Given that Fern is not revealed to be a chimpanzee until well into the novel, it is apparent that Fowler’s intention was for the reader to assume her similarities with the members of Rosemary’s family before progressing the plot.
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