A Gorilla in the Guest Room Summary & Analysis

The Story Line / Plot Summary

‘A Gorilla in the Guest Room’ written by Gerald Durrell in 1962 is about the relation between a gorilla named N’pongo and his caretaker Mr. Durrell.

The author gets a phone call from an animal dealer asking if he wanted a baby gorilla for his zoo. Mr. Durrell feels that the way Africa government is at the moment gorillas may extinct in the next twenty years. So being an animal lover, he decides to accept it and asks how much that dealer wants for the baby gorilla. The dealer says he’ll take twelve hundred pounds which the author feels is quite reasonable for a baby gorilla but he fears that it may turn out to be merely a baby chimpanzee because most animal dealers can’t distinguish between chimpanzee and gorillas. Yet he accepts it anyway.

Only one problem is, he doesn’t have that much money on him at the moment. His wife tells him he was mad to accept the proposal in the first place since he doesn’t have money and that gorilla may turn out to be a chimpanzee. But Mr. Durrell tells her that he’ll ask all the rich men to contribute for this to which his wife laughs saying no one will pay for it. Mr. Durrell rings one of his colleagues and asks him to send him a list of the richest men of that island. In about 30 minutes that colleague gives him a list.

He rings up the first person who happens to accept the proposal and agrees to pay for a small portion. By lunchtime, he has collected two hundred pounds. The next person on the list is Major Domo. The name isn’t familiar to him so he doesn’t know what his reaction would be. But he’s shocked when the man agrees to pay thousand pounds for the gorilla.

That’s how N’pongo walks into his life. N’pongo is a healthy, good-natured gorilla with a nice sense of humour as well. Since his cage, where they were supposed to keep N’pongo, wasn’t ready, they kept him in the guest room of the author’s house. At first the author’s wife and mother were afraid what the baby gorilla would do but N’pongo with his surprisingly courteous manners and humorous nature wins the heart of everyone.

After a few years Mr. Durrell feels it’s time to get a mate for N’pongo. He asks the dealer from whom he had bought him if there’s any chance he could find a mate for him. The dealer tells him he indeed knows someone who has a female gorilla who’s a year or two younger than N’pongo.

He buys Nandy, the female gorilla, on an installment plan. Upon arrival he notices scars on her fur covered skin and also her scared, lost expression. So he puts her in a separate cage in front of N’pongo’s. At first they don’t show any interest in each other but later N’pongo becomes quite curious about her. With his humor he wins her over.

One day N’pongo falls seriously ill. No one’s sure what the real problem is but is worried for him. He stops eating and loses a lot of weight. To lure him into eating, the author brings some exotic fruits and a watermelon. Though he doesn’t show much interest in the fruits, he eats the watermelon. He doesn’t show any sign of improvement and the author grows anxious for he was due to leave for France where he had organized a bees’ nest of helpers and advisers. He didn’t want to leave seeing his condition but just a day before his departure N’pongo showed signs of recovery. He starts eating properly and the gleam in his eyes was coming. By the time the author came back N’pongo had put on all the weights he had lost and was perfectly cheery again.

Publication

The story "A Gorilla in the Guest Room" is a famous chapter from the book Menagerie Manor. This book was written by the British naturalist Gerald Durrell and was published in 1964. Gerald Durrell was famous for writing true stories about his life with animals. Menagerie Manor tells the story of how he set up his own zoo on the island of Jersey.

This specific story recounts the arrival of a young gorilla named N'Pongo. It has become one of Durrell’s most loved pieces of writing. It is often included in school textbooks because it is funny, heartwarming, and educational. The story was published at a time when people knew very little about gorillas. Most people thought they were scary monsters. Durrell’s writing helped change this view.

The story serves as an autobiographical record. It documents the early struggles of the Jersey Zoo (now Durrell Wildlife Park). It shows the practical difficulties of running a zoo. It also highlights the personal joy of working closely with rare animals. The story remains popular today for its message of kindness.

Context

The story takes place in the late 1950s or early 1960s. During this time, Gerald Durrell had just started his zoo dedicated to saving endangered species. This was a new idea. Most zoos at that time only wanted animals to attract visitors. Durrell wanted to breed animals to save them from extinction. However, he faced many money problems.

In the context of the story, gorillas were very misunderstood. Popular movies and books showed them as violent beasts, like King Kong. People were afraid of them. Durrell wanted to show the world that gorillas were actually gentle and intelligent. Acquiring a gorilla was a huge risk and a big expense for his new zoo.

The story also shows the reality of the animal trade. Baby gorillas were often captured in the wild after their mothers were killed. Durrell tried to give these orphans a good home. His work helped start the modern conservation movement. He taught people that animals deserve respect and protection, not just fear.

Setting

The story is set on the island of Jersey in the English Channel. Specifically, it takes place in the manor house that served as the headquarters for Durrell's zoo. The most important setting is the "Guest Room" inside the author's own home. This is a normal bedroom meant for human visitors. It has furniture, carpets, and a bed.

Putting a wild animal in a domestic setting creates a funny contrast. We expect a gorilla to be in a cage or a jungle, not in a polite guest room. This setting allows us to see the gorilla's behavior up close. It frames N'Pongo not as a wild beast, but as a polite visitor. It blurs the line between human and animal spaces.

Later in the story, the setting shifts to the zoo cages. This happens after N'Pongo moves out and his mate, Nandy, arrives. However, the time spent in the guest room is the most memorable part. It establishes the deep bond between the author and the animal. The cozy, safe environment helps N'Pongo trust his new human family.

Title

The title "A Gorilla in the Guest Room" is catchy and humorous. It immediately grabs the reader's attention because it sounds impossible. A gorilla is a large, wild animal, while a guest room is a clean, civilized place for people. Putting these two words together creates a sense of surprise and fun.

The title refers to the literal event in the story. When N'Pongo arrives, his cage is not ready. Durrell has no choice but to keep him in the guest room of his house. This situation leads to many funny and touching moments. It shows the chaos and love involved in Durrell’s life. He treats the animal like a family member, literally giving him a room in the house.

Deeper than that, the title suggests a theme of hospitality. A "guest" is someone you treat with respect and care. By calling the gorilla a "guest," Durrell elevates the animal's status. He is not just a prisoner or a specimen. He is a welcome friend who deserves comfort. The title perfectly captures the mix of humor and respect that defines the story.

Narrative and Language

The story is told from the first-person point of view by Gerald Durrell himself. This makes the story feel very personal and authentic. We hear his own thoughts, worries, and joys. Durrell uses a very humorous and light-hearted tone. Even when he talks about serious problems like money or illness, he keeps a warm and positive voice.

Durrell is famous for his descriptive language. He describes animals as if they are people. He calls N'Pongo "courteous" and a "gentleman." He describes the gorilla's giggle and his playful nature. This technique is called anthropomorphism. It helps the reader connect emotionally with the animal. We stop seeing a "beast" and start seeing a "person."

The dialogue in the story is also important. The conversations between Durrell and his wife or mother add to the humor. They show the human side of running a zoo. The language is simple but vivid. Words like "heavyweight boxer," "black suit," and "aristocrat" paint a clear picture of N'Pongo’s appearance and character. The writing style is designed to make us fall in love with the gorilla, just as the author did.

A Gorilla in the Guest Room: Themes

Breaking Stereotypes

The most important theme is changing how we see animals. Before this story, most people thought gorillas were dangerous killers. Durrell shows us that this is false. N'Pongo is described as gentle, shy, and well-behaved. He has better manners than some human guests. He giggles when tickled and eats politely. Durrell challenges the "King Kong" myth. He teaches the reader that we should not judge animals based on fear. By showing N'Pongo's true nature, the story advocates for understanding and empathy towards all creatures, no matter how scary they look.

The Human-Animal Bond

The story celebrates the deep friendship between humans and animals. Durrell does not act like a master; he acts like a friend or a parent. He worries when N'Pongo is sick and spends days caring for him. The trust between them is beautiful. N'Pongo allows Durrell to feed him and hold him. This theme shows that animals have feelings and can form relationships. It suggests that if we treat animals with love, they will return that love. The bond is not based on dominance, but on mutual respect and affection.

The Challenge of Conservation

A more serious theme is the difficulty of conservation work. The story shows that saving animals is hard work. It requires a lot of money, which Durrell has to beg for. It involves risks, like when N'Pongo gets sick and almost dies. It also involves sadness, like seeing the scars on Nandy, the female gorilla. Durrell shows that conservation is not just a hobby; it is a struggle. However, he also shows that it is worth it. The joy of seeing N'Pongo happy makes all the trouble worthwhile.

A Gorilla in the Guest Room: Symbols

N'Pongo

N'Pongo is not just a character; he is a symbol of nature's dignity. He represents the "gentle giant." His good behavior in the guest room symbolizes the potential for harmony between man and nature. He proves that wild animals are not mindless savages. N'Pongo acts as an ambassador for his entire species. Through him, the reader learns to respect all gorillas. His illness later in the story symbolizes the fragility of nature. Even a strong creature like a gorilla is vulnerable and needs human protection to survive in a changing world.

The Guest Room

The guest room symbolizes the crossing of boundaries. Usually, humans and wild animals live in separate worlds. By bringing the gorilla into the guest room, Durrell bridges this gap. The room represents a safe space where the two worlds meet. It shows that humans can make room for nature in their lives. The fact that N'Pongo does not destroy the room symbolizes his respect for this shared space. It challenges the idea that nature is always chaotic and destructive. The room becomes a place of learning and connection.

Nandy's Scar

Nandy is the female gorilla who arrives later. She has a scar on her head from a human weapon. This scar is a powerful symbol of human cruelty. While N'Pongo represents the good relationship between man and ape, Nandy represents the bad side. Her fear and her scar remind us of the violence that humans often inflict on nature. It contrasts with the safety of the guest room. The scar serves as a reminder of why zoos and conservation efforts are necessary. We need to heal the wounds we have caused.

A Gorilla in the Guest Room: Critical Commentary

"A Gorilla in the Guest Room" is a classic example of Gerald Durrell’s style. He blends scientific observation with storytelling. He does not write dry, academic reports. Instead, he writes funny, emotional stories that anyone can enjoy. This approach made him one of the most important conservationists of the 20th century. He realized that to save animals, he first had to make people love them.

The story is structured to take the reader on a journey. It starts with humor (the fundraising), moves to wonder (N'Pongo’s arrival), and ends with tension (N'Pongo’s illness). This emotional arc keeps the reader engaged. The climax, where N'Pongo almost dies, is very moving. It forces the reader to realize how much they care about this animal. Durrell’s ability to make us cry over a gorilla is his greatest skill as a writer.

Critics praise the story for its lack of sentimentality. Durrell loves the animals, but he does not pretend they are human babies. He respects their wild nature. He admits that N'Pongo is heavy and can be troublesome. He shows the dirt and the difficulty of zoo life. This realism makes the story more powerful. It is not a fairy tale; it is a real account of a man trying to save the world, one animal at a time. The story remains a powerful tool for teaching empathy and responsibility.