For the last entry in this series on the characters in the
Last Crusader Kingdom, I want to look
at John’s dog, Barry.
Barry doesn’t exactly have a “speaking”
role in this novel, but he is an important character nevertheless.
As explained in the novel, John had not been
allowed a dog when a boy because he has spent most of his youth a refugee,
living in cramped, urban housing rather than growing up in his father’s castle. As a squire, he is at
last allowed to have a dog. Barry therefore symbolizes his new-found
independence from his parents, particularly his mother.
Significantly, Barry is a stray.
John adopts him not for his beauty or prowess, but for his loyalty. Barry
returns the favor by saving John’s life very early in the novel. Thereafter
they are inseparable, sharing all adventures in their new life ― to the brink
of causing a diplomatic incident.
It is, therefore, the moment when
John -- of his own accord -- leaves Barry behind that the reader knows John has
grown-up. In this coming-of-age novel that is a significant moment.
Next week's entry, an excerpt from The Last Crusader Kingdom will feature Barry.
Next week's entry, an excerpt from The Last Crusader Kingdom will feature Barry.
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