In the excerpt from "Animal Dreams" by Barbara Kingsolver, the author reflects on the primal instincts that reside within humans. The physical sensation described—a prickling feeling at the back of the scalp and neck—illustrates an involuntary reaction that connects us to our animalistic nature. It suggests that certain responses, akin to those seen in animals, are deeply rooted in our biology and emotional responses.

Kingsolver emphasizes that humans, like other mammals, are not just products of civilization but are influenced by their innate animal thoughts and instincts. This acknowledgment of our basic nature highlights the complexities of human behavior and suggests that beneath the surface, we remain closely tied to our animal origins, making it futile to deny or disguise these instincts.