How Does Atticus Create Tension In Chapter 1

This passage develops plot by acting as part of the rising action and by foreshadowing the attack on Majnoun. Firstly, this passage is part of the rising action. Atticus is trying to justify his actions by saying that it is best for the pack if everyone is united. Thus, he declares that everyone must choose one way of living: the old canine ways. His preference for the old canine ways is emphasized when Majnoun, who follows the new ways of language is described as not belonging. Atticus’ preference for the old ways and desire for all dogs to conform to the old canine way of life creates tension between the pack’s two distinct ways of life. The pack must decide between the new ways of human consciousness and language and the old dog ways of

Firstly, Atticus and Majnoun are emphasized as foils to one another. Until this point, Majnoun and Atticus have acted as leaders of the pack and have been competing for leadership. However, in this passage, the distinct difference between the two is revealed: their beliefs. Majnoun embraces the new way of life. Whereas, Atticus believes for that reason Majnoun does not belong. The two dogs have shared very similar leadership qualities until this passage. This passage highlights the divide that eventually will cause Majnoun and Atticus’ paths to diverge. Also, one must consider that if Majnoun and Atticus’ beliefs differ, their leadership styles may actually differ. Atticus is a cruel leader, prepared to do anything for his pack. Majnoun never gets to show his true colours as a leader, but one may assume that he would be a more passive and equal leader without concern for strict hierarchy and order. Secondly, Atticus is revealed to be a strict leader requiring order. He is willing to do what he believes is right for the pack, specifically its unity. So, he is able to justify his actions. This demonstrates his ability to care for the pack, like a leader. His strictness is exemplified when he wants all the dogs to understand the world, or at least the rules, the same way. This desire demonstrates how Atticus needs order. He needs everyone to follow his rules and not to disobey him. A need for order demonstrates

Atticus wants the unity for the pack. He desires for everyone to think the same way and to act the same, by following the same rules. He wants all the dogs to act as one. However, it is ironic that this passage explaining unity of the pack, highlights a divide among the pack between the old and new ways. The pack was united by its human intelligence and unique language, but its leader, Atticus wants everyone to share the same understanding of the world in a canine way. He wants to unite the pack under the canine way. In doing so, he is marking specific members of the pack, such as Majnoun who embrace the new ways as not belonging. The distinction of belonging and not belonging creates a divide in the group. This theme is emphasized through both plot and character in this passage. Relative to plot, the tensions between the old ways and new ways increase, creating a divide. Additionally, this passage foreshadows the lengths that one side of the old way versus new way conflict will go to ensure their power. Relative to character, Majnoun and Atticus demonstrate as distinct divide in the pack in their beliefs despite their similar leadership capabilities and equal concern for the pack’s well-being. Majnoun and Atticus are united in their loyalties and situation, being both dogs of a pack with human intelligence, but still, they are divided by Atticus’ desire