Most people don't want to suffer, but we live in a world full of suffering. Some people ride in fancy cars while other people die of thirst; some people let their vegetables rot in their crisper (not that we've ever done that …), while other people die of hunger. It's a hard, unfair, cruel world. And There Is No Dog suggests that it was designed that way. While most of the characters are concerned with trying to figure out how to make a little less suffering in the world, Bob/God says inequality makes Earth beautiful. Who's right here? We think we can appreciate our ice cream without having to suck on a lemon first, but … what do we know? We're not God.
Questions About Suffering
- How does There Is No Dog answer the question of why suffering exists? Are you satisfied with that answer?
- Are there moments in this novel when suffering appears to be good? Who benefit from suffering?
- Who suffers in this novel? Why? Is it just or unjust?
Chew on This
There Is No Dog suggests that suffering is a necessary and beautiful part of human life.
In the world of There Is No Dog, it is impossible to end suffering. Suffering is just something for humans to accept.