Almost Familiar Aliens

 At the very beginning of the book, the only thing I could think of was the English aristocracy going fox hunting for pleasure. The foxen showed empathy, a trait we are rather fond of identifying as a human characteristic. I guess the thing that stood out most for me in Grass was identifying what makes us human and what constitutes anti-human (or alien). It then boils down to finding a lowest common denominator between us and them, between I and the other. However, it is rather difficult when survival of species becomes a cause of concern.

What is human in relation to a number of others? Speaker of the Dead has a 4 category distinction which we might find useful in identifying our stance in relation to all other species. However, with such a distinction we are making a biological argument. "We are different species," though may be valid, can be considered a rather weak distinction for we might have equal psychological qualities or skills like compassion.

Take away message? I think there were a couple: Never underestimate the power of a determined woman and compassion for all! Oh and let's stop riding horses people.