Animal Representation of Dogs Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Animal Representation of Dogs - Research Paper Example This paper compares and contrasts three perspectives of dogs as represented in film, literature, and psychiatry. More specifically, the paper examines how the dog is presented as a teacher and father figure, as a helper, as well as, as a human in disguise. The paper provides an evaluation of the rationale behind these representations, as well as, the practical consequences of these representations. Â   The Novel, A Boy, and His Dog tell the story of Vic and Blood, two survivors of a war. Vic, the central human character in the film is in is the company of his dog Blood and they work together for their survival (Ellison and Corben 1-128). Together, the two characters search for food, clothes, and ammunition that is to be used for their survival. In the novel, the dog blood is represented as having telepathic abilities, which in turn, assist the two in their communication with each other. To understand the representation of the dog in the novel, one must also consider the human character Vic as his character assists in the representation of the dog. Accordingly, Vic is an orphan who understands neither the importance of ethics, nor the need for morality, and for that reason, he lives to satisfy his immediate needs (Lee 450). Portrayed as a telepathic dog, blood steps in to assist Vic in living a proper life. For that reason, the dog is portrayed as being a teacher and father figure. Blood educates Vic on and his sole purpose in life is identified as being the protection of Vic so as to keep him away from any possible harm or danger. Additionally, blood is highly intelligent, thus qualifying him for the representation s a teacher and father figure (Sanders 121). To build on his representation as a father figure, Vic is highly rebellious, a character that is common to children. In a way, Blood is represented as having superior characteristics to his human friend.