Hi, I need help with a few interpretations.
"Some people say that Man is naturally a hunter, with a
primitive urge to set out in pursuit of his prey with a heavy club
- or its modern equivalent - on his shoulder. I disagree with this
view. Surely, our earliest ancestors, who at first possessed no
weapons, spent theri time sratching for roots and were no doubt
themselves often hunted by carnivorous animals?"
What would be the modern equivalent of the hunter's club? (does
the "shoulder" in the passage mean it literally or figuratively? If
it is the latter, what is it?)
Why did our earliest ancestors have to scratch for
roots for their food?
Lastly, can someone tell me what advantage does an animal have
if it is hunted in its own territory? I think the animal will die
peacefully and at ease because it is familiar with the environment
it is in. Suggestions?
It will be easier if I can see the full passage.
From what I can see, the modern equivalent could be either a gun
or a pen, depending on how the whole passage is.
Our earliest ancestors have no weapons of their own, hence they
cannot hunt down other animals for food, and will have to rely on
digging the roots of trees and plants for food.
If one is hunted in its own territory, it will have a better
chance of survival, regardless of whether it chooses to escape or
engage the enemy, as it has a complete understanding of its
surroundings.