A Closer Look Into Markus Zusak’s I Am The Messenger Through the Lens of Animal Narratives

The purpose of literature has been a favorite debate for writers and critics since the time of the Elizabethan era. To teach and to delight was the dictum of Horace, and so prove myriads of literary pieces in English literature. Human beings are considered to be the more suitable characters that make up the centre of the narrative as a universal truth. Despite this assumption, legendary authors like Geoffrey Chaucer and Aesop have portrayed animals in their narratives. The position of animals at the periphery is noticed as both interesting and contradictory to their origin and development in the world of stories narrated to children. Animal narratives are often embellished as impressive moral fables and rhymes to educate children in all cultures. Tracing the transition of this change in the position of animals and humans in novels has intrigued the researcher to explore the status quo of their representation as portrayed in the novel by Markus Zusak that is taken for analysis. I Am the Messenger throws light on what animals are capable of doing in fiction, not only as protagonists but also as sideline characters. Doorman is the dog that is dealt with, primarily, with regard to his relation with his owner, Ed Kennedy. Their relationship, Doorman’s characterization, and the expression of his thoughts through Ed’s verbalization build the story to its fullness. This research study also enlightens a few of the sub-genres where animals are used effectively as a part of telling stories to children and thereby serve as satires, and sarcasms to adult readers at the same time.