Essay Questions

What is the significance of the character Joseph Andrews in the book ‘Yellow Dog’?

Joseph Andrews is the biological father of Xax. However, Xan knows that he is the son of Mick Leo. The character, Joseph Andrew, reveals extramarital affairs and the pain of men raising children that are not theirs biologically. Mick Meo thinks that Xan is his biological son, but the reality is shocking. Without a DNA test, it is only mothers who know the biological father of their children. Therefore, most fathers end up taking care of children sired by other men thinking that they are the genetic ones. Consequently, the author uses the character, Joseph Andrews, to develop the theme of infidelity in marriages.

What is the central dramatic irony in the book?

Joseph Andrews and Xan are the worst enemies, and they hate each other to death. Ironically, Xan does not know that the person he hates and despises is his biological father. On the other hand, Mick Leo thinks that Xan is his biological son. However, Mick Leo is a bad example to Xan because he is a gang leader. Xan grows knowing that violence and criminal activities are part of life. Consequently, Xan's life is spoilt. After all, he does not have virtues and humanity because he thinks to harm those, he hates most of the time.

How does male violence emerge as the main theme in the book ‘Yellow Dog’?

The main characters in the book are depicted as violent and vengeful. Mick Leo is a gang leader in London, and he is not on good terms with Andrew because they are rivals. Xan, the son of Mick Leo'Andrew, brutally assaults Xan because he mentions his name. Later, Joseph Andrew is strangled by his wife, and he ends up with brain damage. Towards the end of the book, the reader learns that Clint Smoker kills Joseph Andrew. Therefore, the entire book is characterized by violence and revenge.