Genre
Non-fiction
Setting and Context
Set in 1989 on the Appalachian Trail and written in the context of Fielding's struggles to locate Gonker.
Narrator and Point of View
Third-person point of view
Tone and Mood
The tone is benevolent, and the mood is despondent.
Protagonist and Antagonist
The central character is Fielding.
Major Conflict
The major conflict is that Gonker is lost in the woods, and if he is not found, he will die. Gonker suffers from Addison's disease, and for him to survive, he must get a monthly hormonal injection.
Climax
The climax comes after Virginia sets up a home command center to locate Gonker. She sends messages to radio stations, game rangers, and other entities to ensure that Gonker is brought home. Luckily, Gonker is found and reunites with the rest of the family.
Foreshadowing
Hachiko's death foreshadowed the influx of tourists in Tokyo in 1935. After his death, a statue was erected in his honor, and people traveled worldwide to see him.
Understatement
Fielding's father understates the capability of the home command center set by Virginia. However, the command center effectively coordinates with other agencies and finally locates Gonker and brings him home safely.
Allusions
N/A
Imagery
The description of Oji's reaction when he sees Virginia from the military elementary school depicts imagery. As Virginia steps out, Oji leaps and wags his tail and ears to welcome her. Oji jumps from one side to the other touching Virginia's shoulder to welcome her and escort her home.
Paradox
The main paradox is that Fielding's father doubts the possibility of bringing Gonker home alive, yet he joins the team in his search. Fielding's father also questions the significance of the home command center, but he later acknowledges its significance.
Parallelism
N/A
Metonymy and Synecdoche
Gonker is a metonymy for pets.
Personification
Gonker, Oji, Hachiko, and Uli are personified as human beings because they are addressed as family members.
