The Pariah Dog In Homeless Bird

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Koly is very much like a Indian pariah dog. When you see a pariah dog, that is all you see. But, that animal can represent many things. In Homeless Bird, there are many symbols that can be taken away from the story, but the idea of a pariah dog being compatible with Koly stands out the most. She is abandoned in a place where she does not know anyone, but she eventually finds her way and earns others trust and friendship.


A pariah dog is shy and skittish and often hides when others come around. But, if you earn its trust by feeding it or caring for the animal, it will ultimately trust you and be not as skiddish around you. “Soon it was following me to the river where I washed clothes. I would bathe its stores and pet it until it lost its …show more content…

She is shy and alarmed but if you are compassionate and caring towards her, she will trust you and rely on you. When she abandoned by her Sass in the city of Vrindavan, she is alone and scared without anyone to help her or protect her. She then finds a home in which she is cared for and loved. The people who are kind to her, earn her trust. “..What kind of welcome is that? Show a little kindness to the girl.”(Whelan, 108) Although the girls in the widow's house don't properly welcome her, she feels safe. She knows she can count on those who have helped her just like a pariah dog would do. But, those who mistreated her and wanted to harm her she avoided and did not trust. When Koly still lived with Sass, there was a pariah dog who hung around the courtyard. The dog was smart enough to avoid Sass because it knew Sass would chase it away from where it felt safe.


Koly and the Pariah dog have very different lives but they share many of the same traits and characteristics. Also, something else that they share is the theme of self reliance. Koly and the dog are both left to find their way and defend for themselves in an unknown, dangerous place. Unlike the dog, Koly perseveres and does find a safe and joyful place to stay on her

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