Animal’s People Summary and Analysis

Section Two Summary [Another “Other” Arrives in Khaufpur] Tapes 6–8

From “nowhere,” the mysterious Elli Barber arrives in Khaufpur with bare midriff and tight blue jeans, and Animal is immediately attracted to her. Somraj learns that she is there to open a free health clinic, which makes Zafar immediately suspicious of her involvement with the Kampani.

Animal continues to focus on his two wishes: to stand upright and to have sex. One night, Animal climbs up a tree in Nisha’s garden, which faces the clinic, to spy on Elli. He sees her bathing: this is the first time he has seen a naked woman.

Animal begins his regular visits to Elli to gather information for Zafar, but he also feels curious and hopeful that she may change his life. When he and Nisha search the “Internest” (Internet) later, they are unable to find any information about her. Zafar is further convinced that she must be connected with the Kampani and directs all the Khaufpuris to avoid her clinic. Elli and a government-waali explore the Nutcracker slum and discuss its people. Animal overhears Elli calling the Nutcracker an “earthquake,” and he suddenly sees it as she does.

Section Two Analysis [Another “Other” Arrives in Khaufpur] Tapes 6–8

Elli’s arrival gives Animal purpose. No longer is Animal focused on only himself, but instead he works for the greater good of the others. Here, he begins his transition from willful outsider to one who belongs. The power imbalance of the Kampani over the Khaufpuri—of the Western world over the developing world—is so ingrained in the Khaufpuri that Elli is a mistrusted outsider. Although Zafar himself is not a Khaufpuri, he is accepted and loved as a hero because he has shared in their experiences.

Animal desperately tries to remain detached, free of the codes of human nature, but Zafar’s acceptance forces him to reflect and acknowledge his own humanity. It also makes his voyeuristic, sexually driven behavior more problematic. He tries to excuse his spying on being an “animal,” but the guilt he feels reveals the emotion, thought, and morality he does possess. That he is more human than animal is made more apparent when the Internet search for “Animal” yields only generic photos of animals. Nisha’s response to his disappointment—that the Internet will know him one day—hints at the power of Animal’s narrative.