In ‘’A Brutal Murder In A Public Place’’ by Joyce Carol Oates, the theme of animal rights is shown through the use of symbolism. Oftentimes in society, we prefer ‘’cute’’ and unrealistic ads when it comes to promoting animal adoptions, rather than paying more attention to the true cruelty that happens inside of shelters. Artificial objects are compared with living ones in the story and this shows that humans put higher value in appearances over what's real. When referring to the potted trees laid out around the airport Oates writes ‘’...the artificial endures. The living wears out’’ (Oates…