The fellows will come, one by one, hold her jaw and look at her teeth. They'll clasp her waist with their fingers, pull at her udder and stroke her back. Haven't we seen the poor goats standing around like showpieces at market fairs? Would I let any old hand touch this precious baby? That's why I couldn't bring myself to take her to a market fair. Raising this baby goat and making a living from it is beyond me. So I am roaming from village to village, trying to find someone who will look after her properly.
-- The giant (chapter 1)

Importance: The giant gives this explanation to the old man as to why he is looking to give away the goat who is to become Poonachi. The giant's emphasis on Poonachi's special qualities helps to give the impression that Poonachi is somehow a special or destined goat. The giant's mistrust of traders will, much...