cc115+Rontu+Aru

The Chosen One

In the chapters 25 and 26 of Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell, Karana's loyal dog, Rontu, dies of old age, leading her to capture and tame a new dog. Some people may think that Karana did not wait long enough to mourn, but the reader knows that she waited a whole winter. While it's true that she names it Rontu-Aru after Rontu the reader has to realize it is to remember him, not to dishonor him; for example Rontu-Aru means "Son of Rontu" this proves she does want to honor him. Although Karana did get another version of Rontu, the reader knows that she does this to remember Rontu. Because of Rontu's death, Karana was heartbroken and decided to get a new dog, Rontu's son.

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