Power Structures In Fifteen Dogs

Happiness is a state of life many pursue. Often happiness is the result of the fulfillment within one’s life. The novel Fifteen Dogs by Andre Alexis, a wager between the gods Hermes and Apollo debate whether beings are happier if given the ability of complex thought. Leading them to grant human consciousness to a group of fifteen dogs. However, it quickly becomes evident that intelligence, although a gift, challenges the pursuit of happiness. The capability of complex thought complicates the simplicity of hierarchy. Soon it is clear that regardless of status within the group, the dogs are unhappy. Only those who abandon the power dynamic of the pack understand the depth of the gift given to them. Ultimately the Majnoun and Prince who find autonomy experience the most fulfilling

However, in using the framing device of the gods, Andre Alexis offers yet another critique of power structures within god's own hierarchical structure. In a power structure parallel to the dogs’ power dynamic, the gods also find themselves in a hierarchical society, ruled by Zeus, as Atticus rules the dogs. Hermes and Apollo are put in line by their father, Zeus who scolds them to not interrupt order in the human and canine world. Yet Zeus exempts himself, appearing to Atticus as the god dog that Atticus dreams of, much as Atticus feels free to speak in the forbidden tongue to Rosie. Using this parallel structure, Alexis neatly underlines the problem with a hierarchical society: order is imposed from the top, yet it is ignored by those who dictate the rules. In Zeus’s case, this problem does not lead to bloodshed but in the case of the dogs, it leads to misery, exile and the violent deaths of most of the dog society. Of fifteen dogs, only two die happy and without excessive pain. Although Hermes wins his bet about happiness, Alexis leaves the reader wondering if Hermes really did win the bet if so few dogs were able to find