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Scala Naturae Hierarchy: Anthropocentric Depiction of Dogs in Literature

Abstract

Dogs as a species have been portrayed in a very inferior light when compared to human beings from time immemorial. They have been branded as dirty, impure, lowbred and bad in various cultures. In spite of their affectionate nature, they have been misinterpreted but as time went by they began to be portrayed in a better light. This paper looks at the characteristics of dogs and the ways in which they are treated by humans belonging to different cultural backgrounds. The positive qualities of dogs, the differing attitude of man towards dogs in Western as well as Indian culture, human-canine relations and the mistreatment of dogs are evaluated and through this try to elevate the position of dogs in society especially with the aid of the dogs depicted in Literature.

Keywords

Canine, Anthropocentrism, Animal Narrative, Scala Naturae


References

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