The author Louis de Bernieres explores three major themes within the novel “Red Dog”. Bernieres novel looks into themes such as love, companionship and loyalty. Love is highlighted by the relationship of Nancy and John and the respect they have for each other. Another major them of the novel “Red Dog” is companionship, demonstrated by the bond between Red Dog himself and the people of Dampier. Finally the author Louis de Bernieres emphasizes the importance of loyalty and to have each other’s back when times get tough.
Love is not only a key theme in the novel “Red Dog”, but a key theme in life. Author Louis de Bernieres explains that’s without love not only for other humans but for everything around us, we would be lost. For the skinny “yank” living in the toughest environment in Australia love was the last thing on johns mind. He could never really stay in one place longer than two years at a time because he was afraid of losing the people he cared about, and in the past that was what happened. When he met Nancy things changed. He knew that he could spend his life living with her. John expressed this when he asked Nancy to marry him, happily saying yes. Love is not only the feelings between a couple but the relationship and history within them. Love is the most important key in life and without it life would be very dismal.
For many people their companion is their best friend, normally referring to their pet. A companion is someone who will stand by your side no matter what and always be there for you when the times are tough. For the people of Dampier Red wasn’t only a companion or a friend he was a way of life. The relationship formed between Red and his true master John was a bond that was irreplaceable. John didn’t choose to be his master; Red Dog chose to be his. When Red Dog got shot and had to be rushed to a vet 5 hours away John finally expressed himself about how he truly felt. He proves this by