Whale Talk Analysis

Communication between whales is performed in such a way that they all have the ability to understand each other. T.J.’s father believes that whales have a superior form of communication, and that humans should try and learn from it. Whale communication is a major symbol for the duration of the story, Whale Talk. The way that whales “talk”, symbolizes the vitality of understanding others.
A lack of exchange of ideas and information leads to a lack of comprehension and appreciation. T.J.’s father recognizes the correlation between communication and understanding, and feels that if humans communicated in the way that whales do, the world would be in a better position. As he puts it, “I walk outside and scream at the top of my lungs and it travels

maybe two blocks. A whale unleashes his cry, and it travels hundreds or even thousands of miles...it’s all heard and understood...if you're a whale, you know what it is to be you,” (Crutcher 131). By comparing his human form of communication to a whale’s, T.J’s father is able to show the contrast between the two types. To symbolize the idea that people need to understand things that others think, feel and know, T.J.’s father uses whales. However, because of the absence of communication, some never get to experience what others do, even if they might need it. Whales are able to recognize and comprehend other whales because when they “talk”, a large part of the ocean is able to hear it. That is to say that whales understand one another. Humans should take the time to consider others, and be empathetic towards the people around them because it is vital that if one can understand others, then they can truly understand themselves.
Throughout the story, there are many situations where there is a lack of understanding, and it really has a big effect on others.

The loss of consideration by characters lead to their misunderstanding of other characters. For example, Mike Barbour is a big-time football player who thinks that he is more athletic and better than all of the athletes on the Cutter High School swim team. When asked to race against a mentally slow swimmer in exchange for the swim team to be eligible to receive Letter Jackets, he says, “Chris Coughlin?...that little reta-punk?” (Crutcher 190). Crutcher’s use of italics when Rich questions if he heard his competition’s name right, shows that he thinks that it is a joke, and there is no way that Chris could win. Mike had never attended one of their practices, or meets, and because of this lack of communication, he was mislead about the talent of the swimmers. When put to the test against one of team's swimmers, Barbour eats his words and feels humiliated that he didn't stand a chance against someone who he loves to pick on. It just goes to show that some people need to be more considerate and respectful when they don't know the whole story. As T.J.’s father points out, maybe if all humans could understand each other, like whales, then there would be a better atmosphere in the world.
In conclusion, the novel Whale Talk symbolized the idea of understanding others by the way that whales communicate. This idea was prominent throughout Whale Talk and it

helped the reader understand how the characters feel and how they react. Maybe if humans communicate more like whales, than the world would become a better place.