Fifteen Dogs: A Critical Analysis
Prince’s journey answers many philosophical and psychological questions, including what it truly means to be a human being. Alexis’ novel, Fifteen Dogs. Prince’s relationship develops almost instantly, demonstrating the inherent connection that all life has to communication. Prince’s questions about the world are accompanied by a hunger for knowledge, but he is unable to express his answers. Prince’s poetic works show how he tries to make sense of his world through language. His poems attempt to make some sense out of the seemingly senseless. He also shows how paradoxical language is and whether it can help or hinder someone’s life. Prince, who eventually died, showed in his dying that what matters most in a life full of happiness and fulfillment is love. Prince does not lose hope, even in the face of his many misfortunes. Prince is the only canine to die happily. Prince, from Andr? Alexis’Fifteen Dogs, a collection of essays by Alexis that explores the nature and meaning of existence in his life.
Prince has a strong connection to language since he was given the gift of human intelligence. Prince’s newfound intelligence is said to have caused him to “constantly search for words” (Alexis, 22). Prince doesn’t stop there. He uses language to express the density of the chewed bone in a clever way (23). Prince uses language as a way of life and doesn’t stop just because he thinks it is “useful” or that other dogs do (28). Prince is able to enjoy language and recite poetry. Prince accepts his poetry despite the resistance of others.
In an interview, Alexis explains his belief about language. He was asked whether human language was superior to that of bees. His response: “I find the language of bees fascinating. I would never say that we are superior to the bees. I do feel, though, that the way we produce language is very similar to how wax is produced. It’s a part of who we really are. It’s not how we see it. We think it’s something magnificent, wonderful and beyond our reach. Bees may also perceive wax this way. If you look at it objectively, I think that we humans speak because we are creatures and beings. Bees produce honey and wax because they are creatures. Alexis explains how he views language in humans, which gives us more insight into the nature of Prince. Alexis claims that language is an innate part of human nature. It is therefore important for Prince to become enveloped by words when given the intelligence of a human, because it demonstrates the true essence and purpose of life. Prince uses words to show the relationship between people and them. He does this both for entertainment and practical purposes. Also, it is important to note the changes Prince has undergone in his worldview – or lack thereof.
Prince becomes more curious about the world as he learns to speak, but is also unable to respond to those questions since the language is not able express the true meaning of life. Prince gets the ire of his packmates when he keeps asking trivial, repetitive questions. Prince’s questioning is upsetting to the dogs because they are not used to such questions. Prince’s questions are a result of his language formation, which means that it is his language that allows him to ask them. Prince’s continual questioning is a sign of a deeper desire to understand his world as well as a lack of ability to communicate answers. Prince’s ability to communicate is limited by the complexity of world and the inability to understand it. The book shows that the existence of man depends heavily on the language he uses. Prince is fascinated by language and “[begins] thinking about [it], almost as soon as the change [occurs].” (152). Prince’s interest, coupled with his abstracted questions and thought provoking comments, allows for an analysis of the real nature of existence. Prince’s poetry seems to be an attempt to express his thoughts about the world.
Prince’s poems are a way to express what is inexpressible. Robin Ridington says that Prince’s poetry is “discovering a hidden thing, which can only be heard”. This is related to Oulipo, a style of poetry which both hides and reveals names when they are read out loud. What is most important, however, are the hidden meanings and the ways in which the poems expresses existence’s inexpressible qualities. Prince’s poems are not just art. They are also contemplations of life. An example is the following: “The light goes up in the bay while the lake reaches the fringe. Nearby, cow meat is charred. Smoke rises from the sidewalk. I have eaten greens that turn black when cooked, and even tasted ice cold mud. I have licked and tasted the blood on my paws. What is all this bustling world? Some urban genie feeding food to lies!” (Alexis 157). Prince’s poem is a way to make sense out of the world, contemplate mundane activities and question them. The line “I’ve ate green that turns black” (157) is the most obvious example.Prince is trying to convey the essence of existence in this poem, but he doesn’t say it. Prince uses poetry as a way to express himself when he cannot. Ridington says “the spoken word is essential to communicating the meaning of the poems” (Ridington). Prince’s love of language is made even more complicated by the fact that his subject, which he loves so much, has forced him to exile.
The dog pack is caught between old ways of doing things and new. Prince’s adopting and learning the new tongue is controversial, which forces him into exile. Prince then asks “What am I if no one understands me?” Prince’s exile from a society where no one can understand him is the same as what immigrants experience when they enter a land with a totally foreign language. Alexis also mentions this by describing his own experiences: “When I came [to Canada], my accent was different. Trinis used to say words one particular way, while Canadians use a different style. The rhythm, tone and balance of speech are different. The problematization was real, in terms of the way a word can be said, its meaning and variations. Prince is a lot like many people: he feels alone due to the inherent barriers that language has. Prince may be a natural at language, but the fact that he knows it makes him feel lonely. Prince’s sadness over the fact that “he lost almost everyone [who speaks] his native language” is a reflection of the need for understanding and communication. Prince’s devastation at the fact that “nearly all of those who [speak] his language” have left him reflects the need for communication and understanding (103). The language, although it causes the book’s poet much pain, brings him great joy. Enough joy that Hermes wins the bet.
Prince’s career success is partly due to the poetry he writes and his use of language. Prince’s relationship to his pack’s language influences both his outlook on life and his personality. In fact, Apollo is increasingly concerned about the fate of the dog as he grows more uncertain. Prince is an ideal candidate for Hermes to win the bet due to his knowledge of the language. Prince is even deemed “lucky,” despite being alone, because “there’s always something he loves and never leaves him: the language of his pack” (154). Prince’s love of his language makes him a ‘lucky’ person. It illustrates the importance of love and happiness in life.
Prince is a man who never loses hope. Prince never gives up hope, even in the face of a turbulent life. He does this to preserve what he values most: his love for language. Prince, who was faced with navigating the streets in the dark, “[ignores] the blindness, or, better yet, [accepts] the blindness, and [goes] about his business as deliberately [as he] can.” (160). Prince’s perseverance and optimism are evident in many other instances. Prince, who is nearing the end of life, realizes his most beloved language will be lost with him. Prince doesn’t despair, but rather decides “to hand over [his work]” to the owners of his works (165). Prince’s loss of hearing makes it seem as if he has lost everything, even his happiness. Prince does not despair, but instead recalls an older poem. This memory of his words evokes gratitude and, more surprisingly, hope. “Contrary all expectations,” Prince died happy (168). Prince, despite his many devastations and blessings, is always counting them. Prince’s absolute devotion to language is the reason he can live a happy life and pass away, answering what it takes to be truly fulfilled.
Prince’s adventure touches on a number of philosophical questions. But, it is most important that the journey shows us how to be happy. Safa Jinje notes that by the end of the story, Alexis makes it clear that love is the foundation of a happy life. Prince has been through so many insufferable things that it’s hard to believe that anyone loves him. In return for his unending love, Prince is banished, blinded, and deaf. Prince receives love, no matter how mistreated he may be. Kim was Prince’s first owner and he knew that Kim loved him in his last moments on earth. Prince never forgets Kim, even though they have been separated for years. Prince’s love for Kim is evident in his fond memories and joy of finally seeing Kim. Prince’s tale ends with a clear answer to the questions: What does a happy, full life look like? Prince’s story demonstrates how love is fundamental to everything that is good.
Prince, the being that was granted intelligence and consciousness, faces many difficulties. This book also claims that Prince has as many successes as misfortunes. Prince’s ability to naturally form words and his curiosity are a testament to the complexity of being. Prince can articulate the importance of poetry to make sense of our world. The desire to communicate and to understand the world, along with the frustration and depression that come from not being understood, are innate in all of us. Prince is a lover of his language but still wants companionship. Prince’s optimism, love, and love reciprocated by others are also what enable him to live the fullest, happiest, and most fulfilling life possible, despite everything he has suffered. Prince’s story in Andris? Alexis’ Fifteen Dogs is the answer to existential questions. It reveals the true nature of life, and how you can achieve happiness and live your best life.
Cited Works
Original: Works Cited
Paraphrased: Bibliography
Alexis, Andr?. Fifteen Dogs. 1st ed., Coach House Books, 2015.
Jinje, Safa. “Fifteen Dogs By Andr?” The Star. Toronto Star Newspapers, 2015. https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/2015/03/28/fifteen-dogs-by-andr-alexis-review.html. Accessed on 5 April 2017.
Mustafa, Naheed. CBC News. “Q&A With Andre Alexis”: Fifteen Dogs Author talks about animals in allegory, and his relationship with words. CBC Radio Canada, 2016. http://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/andre-alexis-fifteen-dogs-q-a-ideas-1.3466154.Accessed 4 April 2017.
Ridington, Robin. “Reading Andr? Canadian Literature. Canadian Literature, 2015. https://canlit.ca/article/reading-andre-alexis-fifteen-dogs-an-apologue/. Accessed on 4 April 2017.
