Fifteen dogs with human intelligence. This is the basis of the novel Fifteen Dogs written by Andre Alexis. It is a story that forces one to ponder many topics about how intelligence affects the individual, especially an individual who has never experienced it before. Love and Power are two topics that arise frequently, and this novel demonstrates that the two exist independently of one another and that life is the journey of trying to find the perfect balance of each. Whether it is obvious or not a beings life is a constant battle of finding: power to control others, love for others, and attempting to join both.
The power to have control over others has a compelling grasp on many individuals lives. The story of Fifteen Dogs shows that this …show more content…
The statement “On one hand, power; on the other, love” is made in the concluding sentences of the novel and gives us a glimpse at what the author is trying to say about the topics. In the story the dogs who obtained power usually lacked in love for the others and vice versa. It is difficult to believe that love and power could bridge, but it can be done for example when Zeus said “Be grateful I’m not going to punish you. The damage has been done. But I don’t want you interfering with these creatures anymore.” Zeus said this to his sons Apollo and Hermes after he found out about their bet with each other about the dogs. Zeus being the god that he is could have used his power to bring down harsh punishments on Apollo and Hermes but he did not because he loves them as family. Zeus refuses to abuse his power but still proves his point showing that love and power can exist together. Another part in the novel where love and power coexist is Majnoun’s and Miguel’s interesting relationship. The author writes “Miguel’s feelings were, as far as Majnoun was concerned, honourable.” Although they didn’t see eye to eye all of the time Majnoun still respected Miguel and his associated power. He also had a loving relationship with Miguel like a typical dog and owner relationship. It may seem to be a difficult task to merge love and power but it can be done and it was done many times in this
The power to have control over others has a compelling grasp on many individuals lives. The story of Fifteen Dogs shows that this …show more content…
The statement “On one hand, power; on the other, love” is made in the concluding sentences of the novel and gives us a glimpse at what the author is trying to say about the topics. In the story the dogs who obtained power usually lacked in love for the others and vice versa. It is difficult to believe that love and power could bridge, but it can be done for example when Zeus said “Be grateful I’m not going to punish you. The damage has been done. But I don’t want you interfering with these creatures anymore.” Zeus said this to his sons Apollo and Hermes after he found out about their bet with each other about the dogs. Zeus being the god that he is could have used his power to bring down harsh punishments on Apollo and Hermes but he did not because he loves them as family. Zeus refuses to abuse his power but still proves his point showing that love and power can exist together. Another part in the novel where love and power coexist is Majnoun’s and Miguel’s interesting relationship. The author writes “Miguel’s feelings were, as far as Majnoun was concerned, honourable.” Although they didn’t see eye to eye all of the time Majnoun still respected Miguel and his associated power. He also had a loving relationship with Miguel like a typical dog and owner relationship. It may seem to be a difficult task to merge love and power but it can be done and it was done many times in this