Anthropomorphism and Allegorical Illustration: A Reading of Perumal Murugan’s Novel Poonachi or The Story of a Black Goat

Abstract

Introduction: Anthropomorphic representations generally suggests that certain human characteristics are universal and can be shared by all creatures. This paper attempts to study the anthropomorphic effect on human’s prosocial behaviour through a metaphorical representation of a black goat named Poonachi in Poonachi or the Story of a Black Goat (2017) by Perumal Murugan.
 Method: The paper employs qualitative literary analysis and references theories of anthropomorphism, including the frameworks of Theory of mind and Guthrie’s Cognitive evolution to examine how Poonachi represents marginalized groups, especially women subjected to discrimination based on gender, caste, and colour. The analysis demonstrates that Murugan’s anthropomorphic approach humanises the goat Poonachi, eliciting empathy for marginalized individuals. 
Discussion: This study examines the anthropomorphic influence on human prosocial behaviour, concentrating on the metaphorical depiction of Poonachi. It investigates how the ascription of human characteristics to animals cultivates empathy in readers and prompts contemplation about marginalized situations. Poonachi is examined as a symbol of a woman confronting the obstacles of a patriarchal and caste-restricted society. The narrative functions as a metaphor for the challenges faced by Dalit women, immersing readers in the socio-political dynamics of power and discrimination in rural India. Eventually, this story falls into the category of anthropomorphism where the goat reflects the existential reflection of a woman’s rural life and it exposes a lot about discrimination and troubled lives.
Results: The outcome indicate that anthropomorphism in Poonachi serves as a potent instrument for social commentary, promoting prosocial behaviour and stimulating critical thought on societal inequities, especially concerning caste and gender.