Throughout the story David has been careful to protect himself, to hide his identity and thus, keep his freedom. In the end, he doesn't gain his freedom on his own; King sacrifices his life for David. Why does the dog's action affect David so deeply?

Kingbecomes a Christ-figure of sorts for David. This itself is notable for several reasons; among them is its manifestation of the novel's thematic emphasis on free will and choice, as well as its sub-textual (unspoken) affirmation of David's existence, value, and emerging identity. One other important aspect of King's death has to do with the previously discussed implication that King the dog has metaphorical links to Jesus Christ (see Chapter 7, Analysis) who, according to Biblical teaching and interpretation, sacrificed himself for the good of others in the same way as King does here.