Throughout history various cultures have been in conflict over their differences, but do differing opinions always result in a showdown of rivals? Can contradictory minds live in peaceful coexistence? In Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis, a example of two adverse dispositions can be found in the relationship between a black poodle named Majnoun, and a human named Nira. Throughout the book we can observe their many disagreements, from simple housekeeping preferences to complex issues around life itself. However, these issues are not enough end their relationship with toxic reactions, because they respect each other's viewpoints regardless of their disagreement. This relationship between Majnoun and Nira demonstrates that with patience, cooperative
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Everything in Nira’s life is affected, from the way social interactions take place, to what is and isn’t considered food. In western society, we tend to prefer equality and individual freedom; Nira shares this preference, and is not drawn to a pack mentality, which focuses heavily on domination and submission. And like many other humans, she does not consider shit to be edible. This revelation is brought to light when Nira catches Majnoun in the act and she “could not understand why he persisted in eating the shit of other dogs.” (pg. 117) However, she was not the only one, in this relationship, who disagreed with the other’s …show more content…
This is accomplished with their willingness to be patient and cooperative with each other. In some cases, their discussion leads to agreements between the two, for example, the issue of a leash. Nira knows that a leash is necessary within the city, and a lack of one will cause problems for the two of them. And Majnoun does not want to be trapped by a leash in the event of a confrontation. But by working together the arrive at a solution that is mutually beneficial. The thread, which provides the appearance of a leash and the freedom of escape. However, in other matters they allow each other to have their own opinions. As with life in general, each individual interprets everything differently, which is why tolerance is required if anyone is to get along with anyone else. Love is included in these individual interpretations “It means no one thing and it never will.”(pg. 145) The relationship between Majnoun and Nira did not require total agreement, instead it demonstrates that with patience, two different individuals can peacefully exist together.
Citation: André Alexis; Fifteen Dogs (2015); (Coach House Books, Toronto; First edition, third
Everything in Nira’s life is affected, from the way social interactions take place, to what is and isn’t considered food. In western society, we tend to prefer equality and individual freedom; Nira shares this preference, and is not drawn to a pack mentality, which focuses heavily on domination and submission. And like many other humans, she does not consider shit to be edible. This revelation is brought to light when Nira catches Majnoun in the act and she “could not understand why he persisted in eating the shit of other dogs.” (pg. 117) However, she was not the only one, in this relationship, who disagreed with the other’s …show more content…
This is accomplished with their willingness to be patient and cooperative with each other. In some cases, their discussion leads to agreements between the two, for example, the issue of a leash. Nira knows that a leash is necessary within the city, and a lack of one will cause problems for the two of them. And Majnoun does not want to be trapped by a leash in the event of a confrontation. But by working together the arrive at a solution that is mutually beneficial. The thread, which provides the appearance of a leash and the freedom of escape. However, in other matters they allow each other to have their own opinions. As with life in general, each individual interprets everything differently, which is why tolerance is required if anyone is to get along with anyone else. Love is included in these individual interpretations “It means no one thing and it never will.”(pg. 145) The relationship between Majnoun and Nira did not require total agreement, instead it demonstrates that with patience, two different individuals can peacefully exist together.
Citation: André Alexis; Fifteen Dogs (2015); (Coach House Books, Toronto; First edition, third