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Cover of Dwala: A romance

Dwala: A romance

Written by George Calderon

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SatireLondon (England)Apes

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About this book

"Dwala: A Romance" by George Calderon is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers on a unique character, Colonel, who is an anthropoid that exhibits human-like traits, particularly the ability to speak, and his relationship with an American circus trainer. The narrative explores themes of civilization, identity, and the contrast between the wildness of nature and the complexities of human society. At the start of the tale, we find the Colonel and his trainer living in the forest of Borneo, where they have developed a routine that includes conversing and sharing meals with each other and a collection of monkeys. The Colonel shows signs of frustration and curiosity about the world outside their secluded life, particularly regarding the human notions of civilization and societal structures. This opening establishes a dynamic between the two characters that hints at deeper explorations of belonging, the nature of humanity, and the impending changes brought about by civilization as they prepare to leave their familiar surroundings for London.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Dwala: A romance, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • thought-provoking
  • philosophical
  • melancholy

Dwala: A Romance by George Calderon delves into the profound complexities of identity and civilization through the unique story of Colonel, an anthropoid gifted with human speech and intellect. The narrative begins in the secluded forests of Borneo, where Colonel and his American circus trainer share an unconventional existence, marked by intellectual exchange and a growing yearning in Colonel for understanding human society. Their impending journey to London sets the stage for a dramatic exploration of the contrast between the raw authenticity of nature and the intricate, often superficial, structures of human civilization. The novel critically examines what it means to be human, the challenges of belonging, and the inherent conflicts arising when the 'wild' confronts the 'civilized' world, prompting readers to question societal norms and definitions of intelligence and personhood.

Key themes

Nature vs. Civilization
This theme explores the fundamental dichotomy between the wild, instinctual world of nature and the structured, often artificial, constructs of human civilization. The novel questions whether 'progress' truly equates to superiority and highlights the inherent beauty and brutal honesty of the natural world against the complexities and hypocrisies of human society.
Identity and Belonging
Central to Colonel's journey, this theme delves into the struggle of defining oneself when one does not fit into established categories. Colonel's unique status forces him to grapple with where he belongs – neither fully animal nor fully accepted as human – leading to a profound search for self-identity and a place of acceptance.
The Definition of Humanity
The novel directly challenges anthropocentric views by posing the question: What truly makes one human? Is it speech, intellect, empathy, physical form, or something else entirely? Colonel's existence forces characters and readers alike to re-evaluate their criteria for personhood and intelligence.

Worth discussing

What defines humanity, and how does Colonel's existence challenge these definitions?

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