Animals vs. Humans

The motif of animals and human beings in inherent conflict with one another eventually becomes the central conflict of the novel, and the story humanizes/personifies Poonachi in order to highlight the humans' cruelty by contrast. This conflict is remarkably not present throughout the first half of the novel, as the narrative acknowledges the possibility of peace and coexistence. From Poonachi’s first arrival into the home of the old man and the old woman, there are mostly positive feelings, and few negative ones, between Poonachi and her owners. When Poonachi is separated from the family when she wanders away during their long journey to the daughter’s house, the experience of being found reinforces the true love and affection between herself and the old woman. This passage reads: “The old woman kissed the top of Poonachi’s head as she spoke. She looked...