Introduction 

Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis is about fifteen dogs in Toronto who are given human intelligence by two gods. As they begin to think and feel like humans, their lives become more painful and confusing.

 

The story explores big ideas like love, loneliness, death, and what it means to be truly aware. It shows that being smart doesn’t always lead to happiness — sometimes, it leads to suffering.

Fifteen Dogs 

 

Summary of the Novel

Brief Plot:
Fifteen Dogs is a philosophical novel where fifteen dogs in Toronto are given human intelligence by the Greek gods Hermes and Apollo. This experiment explores what happens when animals gain the ability to think and feel like humans. As the dogs struggle with their new minds, they face fear, loneliness, and emotional suffering

 

Thesis

 

Majnoun – Awareness Brings Loneliness

 

 

Majnoun is one of the smartest dogs in Fifteen Dogs. After getting human thoughts, he learns to read, speak, and think deeply. A kind woman named Nira takes care of him, and they become close. She teaches him words and ideas, and he starts to feel real love and friendship.

 

But even though Nira loves him, Majnoun still feels alone. He’s not a regular dog anymore, but he’s not human either. He doesn’t fully belong in either world. This makes him feel lost and sad inside.

 

“A dog who has known human thought can’t go back to being a dog.”

(Fifteen Dogs, André Alexis, p81)

 

This quote means that once Majnoun learns to think like a human, he can never go back to living a simple life. He becomes too aware of everything—love, pain, and even death.

 

At the end, Majnoun decides to leave Nira and live alone. He wants peace and quiet because thinking too much has made him tired and sad.

                               
                           Insight

Majnoun’s story shows that thinking like a human can make someone feel lonely—even when they are loved. Alexis uses Majnoun to show how being too aware of life can make people feel like they don’t belong anywhere.

 

About the Author

André Alexis is a Canadian writer best known for Fifteen Dogs, which won the Scotiabank Giller Prize in 2015. He often explores deep philosophical and emotional questions in his writing, blending realism with myth.

 

Citation 

 

📚 Works Cited

 

Alexis, André. Fifteen Dogs. Coach House Books, 2015.

— A philosophical novel in which fifteen dogs are given human intelligence, exploring themes of consciousness, identity, and suffering.

 

Bennett, Tara. “Why Fifteen Dogs Is One of Canada’s Most Surprising Literary Hits.” The Atlantic, 28 June 2016, www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2016/07/women-are-writing-the-best-crime-novels/485576/.

— An article discussing the unexpected success of Fifteen Dogs and its place in modern Canadian literature.

 

Henderson, Lauren. Modern Literary Theory: A Beginner’s Guide. Penguin Books, 2020.

— A book introducing key literary theories, including psychoanalytic criticism, which helps in analyzing the themes of dogs 

 

Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis – Book Cover.” Amazon, www.amazon.ca/Fifteen-Dogs-André-Alexis/dp/1552453056. Accessed 21 July 2025.

— Cover image of Fifteen Dogs from Amazon, used for visual reference in a multimedia project.

 

Scotiabank Giller Prize. “André Alexis Wins the 2015 Scotiabank Giller Prize for Fifteen Dogs.” YouTube, 10 Nov. 2015, www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Hd7fXOXtXE. Accessed 21 July 2025.

— Official award video from the Giller Prize channel, highlighting the novel’s critical recognition.