Animal’s People Summary and Analysis

Section Four Summary [Acceptance and Intimacy: The Golden Age] Tapes 13–16

Elli protests outside Somraj’s home. When he joins her, she finally understands that he is not against her.

Zafar’s petition to the judge is granted, and the people celebrate with a picnic. Nisha shares with Animal her dreams of marrying and raising a family with Zafar, and Animal shares his dream that Elli will cure him. Somraj arrives at the picnic with Elli, acting as a peacemaker between her and Zafar. She tells about her childhood and family, that she became a doctor to help them, and the importance of keeping promises. Many share their sympathy and appreciation for Elli, and she feels hopeful that this new peace will bring patients to her clinic. It does not.

Animal places a bet with Farouq that he can walk on hot coals during Muharram. There, Animal is kicked out of line, but Farouq sees him, throws him onto his shoulders, and they cross. Animal faints but is saved from the fire by Farouq.

Later, while spying on Elli and Somraj, Animal overhears Elli talking about her former marriage and the dreams that led her to Khaufpur. That night, Zafar’s poison-induced illness grows worse, and he has a fever dream that he possesses the “undefeatable power of zero.” Animal decides to stop poisoning Zafar,and learns that the pills were laced with datura.

Farouq begins acting as Animal’s best friend. After drinking bhang, a powerful drink laced with cannabis, they embark on a hazy night through Khaufpur. Animal hallucinates the Kh�-in-the-jar, who reminds Animal of his promise to free him. Animal awakens the next morning, naked, lying next to a girl. He eventually recognizes the girl, Anjali, and learns that he did not have sex with her. She tells Animal of her life as a prostitute, and he is relieved to not get an erection when she tries to seduce him. Instead, he examines her naked body, thanks her, and leaves.

Back at the clinic, Animal receives a letter from the American specialists; they believe they can fix his back. He is overcome with hope. Soon after, Elli treats Somraj for an illness, and Nisha apologizes for standing in the way of her clinic. Elli tells Nisha stories of her adolescence in America, and the two bond. The next day, Elli opens her clinic doors to find a line of people waiting. Zafar apologizes to Elli for the injustice he’s done by leading the boycott. Animal reflects on this “Golden Age,” when everyone was happy.

Animal soon learns that Elli and Somraj are engaged and will be traveling with Nisha to America. He is devastated, believing his opportunity to be cured will depart with Elli. There is a joyous engagement celebration, but Animal only feels sick and betrayed.

Section Four Analysis [Acceptance and Intimacy: The Golden Age] Tapes 13–16

The outsiders—Animal and Elli—begin to find acceptance and a sort of intimacy with the others. Somraj’s show of solidarity with Elli creates a bridge between them and lays the foundation for the people’s acceptance of her. Animal also finds a closer intimacy with those around him. Zafar and Elli prohibiting his participation in the fire walk is an act of protection, and Farouq literally endangers himself to save Animal’s life. Although Animal does not yet seem to recognize the depth of these relationships, it becomes increasingly clear how much his people care for him.

This also marks the highest point of emotion for Animal. In the time leading to the fire walk, he feels intense fear and regret for the things he has not done, a notable departure from rejecting his human experiences. Here, he is perhaps most connected to his emotions and thoughts, acting on them rather than his animalistic impulses. His engagement in a series of philosophical discussions—on religion and faith, hypocrisy, promises, and love—is another indication that he is more human than animal.

The drug-induced night with Farouq and the prostitute is an important moment in developing Animal’s humanity. Despite his consuming obsession with having sex, when the opportunity presents itself, he does not do it; he is not the animal he claims to be, but fiercely loyal and hopeful. Such hope, which he had criticized as the problem with humans, proves that he, too, is one of them.