“Two Sheep” by Janet Frame: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Two Sheep” by Janet Frame

“Two Sheep” by Janet Frame was first published in 1962 as part of her short story collection, The Reservoir: Stories and Sketches. This unsettling, almost fable-like story explores themes of denial, acceptance, and the inevitability of fate. Frame masterfully weaves a sense of existential dread throughout, juxtaposing the naive optimism of one sheep with the somber resignation of the other as they journey toward an unknown, but tragically obvious, destination. The story’s symbolic nature and deceptively simple language lend it a haunting quality that resonates long after reading.

Main Events in “Two Sheep” by Janet Frame

1. Two sheep are driven to the saleyards, their ultimate destination the slaughterhouse. One sheep is acutely aware of this fate, while the other remains blissfully ignorant.
2. The first sheep, filled with a strange sense of peace, marvels at the beauty of the day. He praises the warmth of the sun, the lushness of the hills, and the absence of hawks in the sky. His companion, in stark contrast, complains bitterly about the heat, the dust, and the weight of his wool.
3. The first sheep continues to express wonder and delight at the world around him. The second sheep grows increasingly distressed, sensing the danger that lies ahead and expressing fear that their fate is imminent slaughter.They arrive at the saleyards, where ominous red trucks await.
4. The first sheep, tragically deluded, mistakes the cramped pen for a pleasant vacation cottage and the trucks for comfortable transport.
5. An older sheep confronts the first sheep, criticizing him for revealing the truth. She believes ignorance would have been a kinder fate for his companion.
6. The first sheep is loaded into the truck and experiences a horrifying realization. The beauty of the world is stripped away, and he confronts the harsh reality of his impending death.
7. His optimism turns to terror and despair.The second sheep, now fully resigned to his death, adopts the first sheep’s former optimism.
8. He praises the beauty of the day and the luxury of their ‘transport’.At the freezing works, the first sheep is mistaken for dead and discarded on the railway line. This becomes his unlikely escape.
9. Recovering from exhaustion, the first sheep flees the freezing works. He finds himself facing another flock of sheep being driven along a familiar road. Traumatized, the first sheep joins the new flock, seeking anonymity.
10. He feels weary, disillusioned, and unsure of what to believe.The first sheep confronts a sheep in this new flock, shattering its naive optimism. He reveals the grim truth of their destination.
11. The newly informed sheep is shocked and horrified by the revelation. The knowledge echoes the first sheep’s own shattering of innocence. The first sheep declares a new, tragic philosophy. He will live in a state of perpetual uncertainty, unable to trust his senses or know whether dangers lurk around every corner.
    1. The first sheep vows to never speak again, choosing silence over the risk of further shattering his worldview. He resigns himself to a life of perpetual fear and mistrust. The story ends with the revelation that he continues this tortured existence, forever marked by the near-death experiences that haunt him.

Literary Devices in “Two Sheep” by Janet Frame

Literary Device	Definition	Example from Story
Irony	A contrast between expectation and reality, often humorous or unexpected.	The first sheep, aware of their fate, finds beauty in their surroundings, while the second sheep, unaware, finds the journey burdensome.
Foreshadowing	Clues or hints about events that will occur later in the story.	The first sheep’s awareness of their approaching death hints at the fate awaiting them at the saleyards and freezing works.
Metaphor	A comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”	The road is described as an “oven shelf,” emphasizing the intense heat and discomfort experienced by the sheep.
Personification	Giving human qualities to non-human entities.	The sun is described as if it has intentions, “striking me for its own burning purposes,” personifying it as an active force.
Symbolism	Using an object or action to represent something beyond its literal meaning.	The journey of the sheep symbolizes the journey of life, with the saleyards and freezing works representing death.
Allegory	A story with a hidden meaning, typically moral or political.	The journey of the sheep can be interpreted as an allegory for the human experience and the inevitability of death.
Imagery	Using descriptive language to create sensory experiences for the reader.	Descriptions of the hot, dusty valley road and the barren hills create vivid imagery of the sheep’s surroundings.
Allusion	A reference to a well-known person, event, or literary work.	The reference to the freezing works alludes to the fate awaiting the sheep, drawing parallels to the real-life process of slaughtering animals for meat.
Simile	A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as.”	The first sheep’s wool feels “light upon him as if he had just been shorn,” comparing his comfort to that of a freshly shorn sheep.
Paradox	A statement that appears self-contradictory but may reveal a deeper truth.	The first sheep finds comfort and beauty in their surroundings despite their impending doom, highlighting the paradox of finding joy in the face of inevitable death.
Hyperbole	Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.	The second sheep exaggerates the discomfort of their journey, describing the road as “an oven shelf” and their wool as “heavy,” emphasizing their misery.
Repetition	Repeating words or phrases for emphasis or effect.	The repeated use of “I think” emphasizes the differing perspectives of the two sheep regarding their journey and fate.
Satire	Using humor, irony, or ridicule to critique or mock something.	The story satirizes human ignorance and denial in the face of inevitable death through the second sheep’s obliviousness and refusal to acknowledge their fate.
Alliteration	Repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words.	“Sun scorching,” “rock, tussock, and old rabbit warrens” – the repeated “s” and “r” sounds create a sense of heat and desolation in the environment.
Assonance	Repetition of vowel sounds in neighboring words.	“Smart red-painted bars” – the repeated “a” sound adds emphasis to the description of the pen’s appearance.
Onomatopoeia	Words that imitate the sound they represent.	“Bleating” and “trampling” imitate the sounds made by the sheep and the commotion in the saleyards.
Anaphora	Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.	The repetition of “How” at the beginning of sentences emphasizes the second sheep’s frustration and disbelief in the first sheep’s perspective.
Tone	The attitude of the author towards the subject or audience.	The tone shifts between optimism and cynicism, reflecting the contrasting perspectives of the two sheep and the overall theme of the story.
Juxtaposition	Placing two things side by side to highlight their differences or similarities.	The juxtaposition of the first sheep’s optimism and the second sheep’s pessimism highlights the contrast between their perspectives on the journey and their impending fate.
Metonymy	Referring to something indirectly by naming something associated with it.	“The freezing works” is used to represent death and the fate awaiting the sheep, indirectly referring to the process of slaughtering animals for meat.

Characterization in “Two Sheep” by Janet Frame

Major Characters

• The First Sheep (The Optimist): The initial bearer of optimism and a deeply tragic figure. His relentless positivity in the face of impending death highlights the absurdity of existence and the power of self-delusion. His journey reveals the fragility of optimism and the devastating impact of confronting a harsh truth. Ultimately, his survival leaves him a broken shell of his former self, forever scarred by the knowledge of his own mortality.
• The Second Sheep (The Pessimist): Initially a voice of fear and negativity, this sheep embodies a more realistic perspective. His pessimism initially serves as a counterpoint to the first sheep’s delusion. However, by the story’s end, he has adopted his companion’s former naive optimism, suggesting a cyclical nature of ignorance and despair within their world.

Minor Characters

• The Elder Sheep: This character represents a belief in ignorance as a means of preserving peace. She criticizes the first sheep’s shattering of his companion’s illusion, suggesting that sometimes a harsh truth can be more damaging than blissful unawareness.
• The Drover: A symbolic figure representing the indifferent forces that guide the sheep towards their doom. He is unaware of the individual thoughts and feelings of the sheep, highlighting their powerlessness within the larger system.
• The Freezing Works Worker: This character functions as an agent of unintentional salvation for the first sheep. His casual disregard for the sheep’s life leads to the sheep’s escape, emphasizing the arbitrary nature of fate.

Symbolism and Themes

The characters in “Two Sheep” are highly symbolic, representing broader themes:

• Ignorance vs. Knowledge: The central conflict between the two sheep explores the question of whether it is better to live in blissful ignorance or to face a painful truth.
• Denial and Acceptance: The sheep demonstrate powerful examples of denial and eventual acceptance of their fate, raising questions about coping mechanisms in the face of the inevitable.
• The Absurdity of Existence: The sheep’s journey underscores the absurdity of life and the arbitrary nature of death.
• Cyclical Suffering: The ending suggests that neither ignorance nor knowledge provides escape from suffering and that their tragic cycle is likely to continue.

Major Themes in “Two Sheep” by Janet Frame

• Awareness vs. Ignorance: The story explores the contrast between awareness of one’s fate and blissful ignorance. The first sheep is cognizant of their impending death, finding beauty in their surroundings despite the grim reality. In contrast, the second sheep remains oblivious to their fate, expressing frustration and disbelief when confronted with the truth. This theme underscores the human tendency to either confront or deny uncomfortable truths, highlighting the impact of awareness on one’s perception of life and death.
• Perception and Reality: “Two Sheep” delves into the subjective nature of perception and reality. The first sheep perceives the journey as beautiful and the surroundings as inviting, despite the looming threat of death. Conversely, the second sheep views the journey as burdensome and the surroundings as hostile, unaware of the fate awaiting them. This theme emphasizes how individual perspectives shape one’s experience of reality, illustrating how differing viewpoints can lead to vastly different interpretations of the same circumstances.
• The Inevitability of Death: Janet Frame’s story grapples with the inevitability of death and the human struggle to accept mortality. The journey of the sheep to the saleyards and freezing works serves as a metaphor for the journey of life toward death. Despite attempts to deny or ignore it, death remains an unavoidable destination for all living beings. This theme prompts reflection on the significance of mortality in shaping human existence and underscores the importance of acknowledging and confronting the reality of death.
• Existentialism and Fate: “Two Sheep” delves into existential themes, questioning the significance of individual agency in the face of fate. The first sheep, resigned to their fate, struggles briefly against death before ultimately accepting it. In contrast, the second sheep remains passive, accepting their fate with resignation. This theme prompts reflection on the human condition and the balance between acceptance and resistance in the face of fate. It highlights the existential dilemma of navigating life’s uncertainties while grappling with the inevitability of death.

Writing Style in “Two Sheep” by Janet Frame

• Allegorical: The story functions as an allegory, where the sheep represent human existence and the slaughterhouse symbolizes the inevitability of death. Example: The sheep’s journey to the saleyards mirrors the human journey toward mortality.
• Contrasting Perspectives: Frame juxtaposes the wildly different perspectives of the two sheep to highlight themes of denial, hope, and despair. Example: “The sun has never shone so warm on my fleece…” (First sheep) vs. “How hot and dusty and heavy my wool feels!” (Second sheep).
• Simple, Childlike Language: Frame uses a deceptively simple vocabulary that mimics the innocent worldview of the sheep. This contrasts starkly with the weighty themes explored. Example: “a pleasant little house they have led us to!” (First sheep describing the pen).
• Symbolism: Frame employs symbols throughout the story to enrich the narrative. Example: Hawks in the sky represent fear and impending doom, while the barren hills symbolize the bleakness of existence.
• Dark Humor & Irony: Frame weaves a thread of dark humor and irony into the story. Example: The first sheep’s enthusiastic descriptions of the beautiful day and the luxurious trucks create a tragic irony given their destination.
• Shifting Tone: The tone of the story begins deceptively lighthearted but transitions into a more somber and unsettling mood as the truth is revealed. Example: The shift from the first sheep’s joyful descriptions to his cries of terror in the truck.
• Dialogue as Characterization: Dialogue reveals the sheep’s distinct personalities and philosophies. Example: The first sheep’s relentless positivity compared to the second sheep’s increasing pessimism.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “Two Sheep” by Janet Frame

Literary Theory	Interpretation of “Two Sheep”
Existentialism	The sheep’s journey could represent the human condition of confronting mortality. The story explores free will, the absurdity of existence, and the individual’s struggle to find meaning in a seemingly meaningless world.
Postmodernism	The story challenges traditional concepts of truth and reality. The sheep’s shifting perspectives highlight the subjective nature of experience and the instability of meaning.
Allegorical/Symbolic	The narrative functions as an allegory for broader human experiences. The sheep, the saleyards, and the slaughterhouse carry symbolic weight, representing ideas of fate, societal control, and the inevitability of death.
Feminist	The elder sheep’s criticism of revealing the truth could be interpreted as a commentary on patriarchal systems that seek to maintain control or limit knowledge. The story could also be read as a critique of societal expectations placed on individuals.
Psychological	The sheep’s reactions, particularly the first sheep’s shifting perceptions, explore psychological defense mechanisms like denial, and the traumatic impact of confronting harsh realities.

Topics, Questions and Thesis Statements about “Two Sheep” by Janet Frame

Topics

• The Nature of Perception: How does the story challenge conventional ideas about reality?
• Symbolism of the Sheep: What do the sheep represent in the context of the story?
• Language and Miscommunication: How does language fail the characters, contributing to their isolation?
• Mental Illness and Social Stigma How does the story engage with the portrayal of mental illness and the treatment of those considered ‘different’?
• Power Dynamics: Analyze the power relationships within the story (e.g., caregiver and patient, doctor and patient).

Questions

• How does the fragmented narrative style reflect the mindset of the characters?
• Is the ending of the story ambiguous or offering a sense of resolution? Why might Janet Frame have chosen this approach?
• To what extent does social isolation contribute to the characters’ difficulties?
• In what ways are the sheep symbolic of both vulnerability and resilience?
• How does the story challenge or uphold stereotypes about mental illness?

Thesis Statements

• Janet Frame’s “Two Sheep” uses fragmented narration and symbolism to expose the fragile nature of reality and question the reliability of perception.
• “Two Sheep” reveals how miscommunication and social stigma trap individuals within isolated worlds, ultimately contributing to their psychological decline.
• Janet Frame’s story highlights the dehumanizing power structures within mental health institutions, where patients are often stripped of agency and individuality.
• In “Two Sheep,” the sheep embody a paradox, representing both the vulnerability of the mentally ill and a potential source of resilience within the face of adversity.
• Through its depiction of mental illness and institutionalization, “Two Sheep” challenges societal assumptions and calls for greater empathy towards those struggling with mental health conditions.

Short Questions/Answers about/on “Two Sheep” by Janet Frame

• Question 1: How does Frame use the first sheep’s optimism to create a sense of tragic irony?
• Answer: Frame juxtaposes the first sheep’s relentless positivity with the reader’s knowledge of his impending death. His joyous exclamations about the beauty of the day (“The sun has never shone so warm…”) and his misinterpretation of their confinement (“What a pleasant little house…”) create a heartbreaking undercurrent of irony, making his eventual realization all the more devastating.
• Question 2: What is the significance of the elder sheep’s criticism?
• Answer: The elder sheep’s anger (“You have been frightening your companion…”) suggests that maintaining ignorance can be seen as a form of mercy. This raises questions about whether confronting harsh truths is always the best course of action and whether there’s value in protecting a sense of innocence, even if it’s based on a falsehood.
• Question 3: How does the ending contribute to the story’s overall message?
• Answer: The ending reveals the first sheep’s shattered spirit and his vow of silence, highlighting the enduring trauma of facing mortality. This suggests a cyclical nature of suffering, where even those who escape death are forever changed by the experience. It reinforces the story’s bleak view of existence.
• Question 4: What role does the drover play in the story?
• Answer: The drover symbolizes impersonal forces that guide the sheep towards their fate. His indifference (“…in no hurry…”) underscores the sheep’s lack of agency and highlights the arbitrary, uncaring nature of the forces that govern their lives.

Literary Works Similar to “Two Sheep” by Janet Frame

1. Animal Farm by George Orwell (1945): Orwell’s seminal allegorical novella employs a similar narrative technique, using anthropomorphized animals to deliver a powerful critique of totalitarian regimes and the corruption of revolutionary ideals. Like Frame, Orwell exposes the dark underbelly of seemingly utopian aspirations.
2. The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka (1915): Kafka’s absurdist masterpiece shares with “Two Sheep” a focus on the themes of alienation, existential angst, and the fragility of personal identity within an uncaring world. Both works offer a nightmarish vision where ordinary individuals face sudden, inexplicable transformations.
3. Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett (1953): Beckett’s iconic play, a cornerstone of the Theatre of the Absurd, resonates with the existential despair and bleak humor present in “Two Sheep.” Both works explore the futility of human action, the absence of meaning, and the endless waiting for something that might never arrive.
4. “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas” by Ursula K. Le Guin (1973): Le Guin’s thought-provoking short story grapples with similar ethical dilemmas as Frame’s work, exploring the unsettling possibility that societal contentment might be built upon concealed suffering. Both writers challenge notions of idyllic communities and force readers to confront difficult moral questions.
5. “Harrison Bergeron” by Kurt Vonnegut (1961): This darkly humorous short story echoes Frame’s critique of systems that prioritize conformity over individuality. Vonnegut, like Frame, satirizes the dangers of enforced equality and the suppression of individual expression, ultimately suggesting that such measures create a different kind of dystopia.

Suggested Readings about/on “Two Sheep” by Janet Frame

Books

• Evans, Patrick. Janet Frame. Twayne’s World Authors Series. Boston: Twayne Publishers, 1977. (Provides a foundational analysis of Frame’s writing)
• King, Michael. Wrestling with the Angel: A Life of Janet Frame. Washington D.C.: Counterpoint, 2000. (Offers a comprehensive biography essential for understanding Frame’s life and literary context)

Articles (Peer-Reviewed Journals)

• Dalziel, Margaret. “Janet Frame: An Introduction.” Journal of New Zealand Literature (JNZL), no.1, 1983, pp. 5-19.
• Mitenkova, Maria. “Janet Frame: Fiction, Reality, and the In-between.” (2021).

Websites

• The Janet Frame Literary Trust: https://janetframe.org.nz/. The official website dedicated to Frame’s legacy, offering biographical information, resources, and news.
• New Zealand Electronic Text Collection (NZETC): https://nzetc.victoria.ac.nz. This digital repository may contain works by or about Janet Frame, potentially including critical essays or analyses relevant to “Two Sheep”.

Representative Quotations from “Two Sheep” by Janet Frame

1. “I think that the sun has never shone so warm on my fleece, nor, from what I see with my small sheep’s eye, has the sky seemed so flawless, without seams or tucks or cracks or blemishes.”
2. “How hot and dusty and heavy my wool feels! It is a burden to go trotting along this oven shelf. It seems our journey will never end.”
3. “How fresh and juicy the grass appears on the hill! And not a hawk in the sky!”
4. “Here we are, trotting along hour after hour, and soon we shall stand in our pens in the saleyards while the sun leans over us with its branding irons…”
5. “That is not likely to happen. Oh no, that could never happen! I have it on authority that even when they are trampled by their fellows, sheep do not die.”
6. “What a pleasant little house they have led to us! I have never seen such smart red-painted bars, and such four-square corners.”
7. “We are standing inside a dirty pen, nothing more, and I cannot move my feet in their nicely polished black shoes but I tread upon the dirt left by sheep which have been imprisoned here before us.”
8. “This must be death,” he thought, and he began to struggle and cry out.
9. “The hill has never seemed so green, the sun has never been warmer, and this truck with its neat red walls is a mansion where I would happily spend the rest of my days.”
10. “What a hot dusty road. How uncomfortable the heat is, and the sun seems to be striking me for its own burning purposes.”