The Purpose for Pets

[Adedayo+23]

Yeah, I agree. When something is said to be a tradition you obviously expect something interesting from it. Like, when you choose the pet, it'll be some sort of a guardian. Or, the pet, idk, can turn into sth else when you're in danger and help you... But no, here there was no use for the pets, which was a disappointment.
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I couldn't have said it better. The dogs should have served some purpose that was significant to the story . The fact that they didn't was undoubtedly disappointing.

[Juliet+1]

I read this book back in February and I still think there was no reason for there to be pets. I think it was thrown in as a tool for some conflict, but it never really had a solid place in the books.

I agree. There was no real reason, but it didn't do any harm to the story. Sometimes an author will put something into a story thinking that s/he will build something specific on it later in the narrative but then has a change of heart. But it's too much work to unravel what's already been built, so it stays.

[KendraRobinson]

You are right. But I think it only for constructing the atmosphere.

I like how you said that: "constructing the atmosphere" and I think you are right in saying that!

I agree with this assessment and the particular phrasing "constructing the atmosphere." The pets were chosen -in the case of Valerie, Will, and Peter- according to their hidden natures. The attitude of the characters and the atmosphere of the story could be indicated by the pets they selected.

Ididnt even read into it that deeply lol mores i thought the pets constructed the atmosphere as in created an image for the world at the orphanage and a new depth for the life their

[KendraRobinson]

I read this book back in February and I still think there was no reason for there to be pets. I think it was thrown in as a tool for some conflict, but it never really had a solid place in the books.

I agree. There was no real reason, but it didn't do any harm to the story. Sometimes an author will put something into a story thinking that s/he will build something specific on it later in the narrative but then has a change of heart. But it's too much work to unravel what's already been built, so it stays.

That's a good point! I cant imagine spending months (or years) on something to change my mind and have to go back and change everything to fit my newer narrative lol

[KendraRobinson]

Maybe it controlled the children in a way. They would not try to escape if they had to leave behind something they loved.

That's an interesting new take I hadnt thought of!

[KendraRobinson]

it was not explained why they were given a pet (just to have a companion since the children there have been cast away from their families?). I think it was a way to tie in Damian and Dea - the wolf and falcon at the beginning of the book, but I mean Will choosing Wolfea really wasn't that significant to the plot. Wolfea's story was getting adopted by Will, but that not the point...

I agree! I think pets were just for companionship. And I think he chose wolfea because she reminded him of Dea

[KendraRobinson]

I just thought of this...in my review, I had mentioned that the pets helped develop each character’s personality but now I realize that the pets “echo” the personality of the characters they are matched with. Maybe that’s why pets are an Echoland tradition?

This is an interesting hypothesis, but it makes it seem that the pets have no personalities and only serve to mirror that of their masters.

Maybe the echo is more in the sense that the personalities are amplified by the pets they chose? I'm thinking more along the lines of yelling into a cavernous space and your voice coming back to you repeatedly (still just speculating for discussion purposes).

So sort of like their personalities feed off each other and grow together? Like theyreflect one another and bounce backeven bigger?

[Noosh]

Yeah, I agree. When something is said to be a tradition you obviously expect something interesting from it. Like, when you choose the pet, it'll be some sort of a guardian. Or, the pet, idk, can turn into sth else when you're in danger and help you... But no, here there was no use for the pets, which was a disappointment.
[/quote

I couldn't have said it better. The dogs should have served some purpose that was significant to the story . The fact that they didn't was undoubtedly disappointing.

Yup. I know!
Thanks for noticing me

[Agnes Masobeng]

Even though the purpose fir the lets was not explained, I believe there isn't much to know. Except that, usually, pets give human a sort of comfort and sense of security and they usually stay closer than a brother.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

Maybe it controlled the children in a way. They would not try to escape if they had to leave behind something they loved.

That's an interesting new take I hadnt thought of!

Pets could have been used as an incentive for children to remain, as you say. Once a child was emotionally bonded to their pet, it would be very unlikely to escape the opharnage and leave the pet.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

I like how you said that: "constructing the atmosphere" and I think you are right in saying that!

I agree with this assessment and the particular phrasing "constructing the atmosphere." The pets were chosen -in the case of Valerie, Will, and Peter- according to their hidden natures. The attitude of the characters and the atmosphere of the story could be indicated by the pets they selected.

Ididnt even read into it that deeply lol mores i thought the pets constructed the atmosphere as in created an image for the world at the orphanage and a new depth for the life their

No, I think the pet would create an atmosphere of some stability within the children and a ready companion upon entry.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

it was not explained why they were given a pet (just to have a companion since the children there have been cast away from their families?). I think it was a way to tie in Damian and Dea - the wolf and falcon at the beginning of the book, but I mean Will choosing Wolfea really wasn't that significant to the plot. Wolfea's story was getting adopted by Will, but that not the point...

I agree! I think pets were just for companionship. And I think he chose wolfea because she reminded him of Dea

Pets were indeed used for companionship and to centre the children in the opharnage, but Will chose Wolfèa not only because of Dea but also because he recognized and liked her wild spirit.

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

This is an interesting hypothesis, but it makes it seem that the pets have no personalities and only serve to mirror that of their masters.

Maybe the echo is more in the sense that the personalities are amplified by the pets they chose? I'm thinking more along the lines of yelling into a cavernous space and your voice coming back to you repeatedly (still just speculating for discussion purposes).

So sort of like their personalities feed off each other and grow together? Like theyreflect one another and bounce backeven bigger?

No, more like pets ae originally wild and free while children grew up in structure and order which is somewhat domestic. The pets would learn this domestcated lifestyle while the children would find themselves not only with a companion but also find themselves mimicking some of their pets initial wildness.

[KendraRobinson]

Even though the purpose fir the lets was not explained, I believe there isn't much to know. Except that, usually, pets give human a sort of comfort and sense of security and they usually stay closer than a brother.

I think you are spot on! The comfort a pet can provide is important - especially if you are stuck in an orphanage and unable to get back to a home you once belonged

[Ferdinand_Otieno]

Even though the purpose fir the lets was not explained, I believe there isn't much to know. Except that, usually, pets give human a sort of comfort and sense of security and they usually stay closer than a brother.

This was the basic need for pets in the opharnage, but there is so much more that I don't think the author needed to mention their purpose in the story.