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The Theme Of Language In Fifteen Dogs By Andre Alexis

Decent Essays

It is hard to know if the possession of language is a gift or a curse to the human race. The novel Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis looks into the answer to this question. Fifteen Dogs is a story about a group of dogs that are given the ability of human language and thought. Two gods, Hermes and Apollo, have a bet to see whether the ability of language creates a better or worse world for the dogs. Initially, the dogs escape from the shelter and begin their new lives, but they soon realize how different a life with language will be. Throughout the novel, Alexis demonstrates that the use of language creates a sense of loneliness and isolation. This sense is shown through the complexity of language, the hierarchy it creates, and the creation of …show more content…

The word [corresponds] to no emotion he [can] recognize” (49). Since language is so focused on precise definitions and not the accompanying emotion, Nira and Majnoun are never able to truly understand each other at a deeper level. They are always separated by the unsaid feelings that cannot be portrayed through language. Language creates a disconnect between individuals through its complexity and inability to show emotion, which leads to a feeling of loneliness. Language also produces a sense of isolation through the creation of a hierarchy. In the novel, the use of language really divides the characters. Different levels of language comprehension create very diverse levels of society. Once the dogs are out of the shelter and living in the park, a huge division of the group becomes apparent. Some of the dogs begin to embrace this new ability while others try and revert back to their natural ways. Language is such a new concept, and only a few of the dogs are really able to catch on and understand it. Of all the dogs, Prince really takes to language. He understands its intricacies and is able to use it in abstract ways such as humour and poetry. To other dogs, this comprehension does not come so naturally, and the imbalance in their levels of understanding creates a great separation between the dogs. The use of language creates two sides to the pack,

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