Although Dogside story is very differant from any other book we have read this semester, there are a few similarities as well concerning the theme. The theme of the book is based a lot on tradition and community which is a topic throughout many of the books we have read. The book begins with a story of how the Northside and the Southside began, and why. The book also makes it apparent that both sides are very set on their ways and want to keep the tradition that has been established over the years. Other books we have read are also focused around tradition and ancestoral history. Green Grass Running Water is the first book we read and there is a connection to Dogside Story because both books are telling a story of how the past relates to the future. In Once Were Warriors there is conflict about community and change, "change their ways before their ways change them." The community needed to come together in order to be saved. The past and present in Once Were Warriors were very differant because there was a lack of understanding about what a warrior really is. The community is torn apart because of this differance. In Dogside Story the community is threatened to being torn apart becuase of Te Rua's secret about his daughter. If he confesses he will bring shame on his family as well as the community.

I agree with what Gillian mentioned about the conflict between tradition and modernity in Dogside Story.To add on to what she said about ancestory, one of the pieces we mentioned in class was how Kid got to living with the two aunts. Rather than determining who would provide the most nurturing environment for Kid, it was a question of ancestory and who was "next-of-kin." This theme of elders being able to provide for kids of the community is also expressed in Benang. Harley's grandfather is the one who(while not exactly the best parent I think most of us agreed) passes on traditional knowledge to Harley through his stories and gives Harley a sense of identity through his connection to his ancestors. I think this was the intent of the Dogside community; by placing Kid in custody of the two aunts, she will be able to form a connection with her ancestory because the aunts are the "most knowledgeable" members of the community. Another theme in Dogside Story is the idea of thinking of the community before an individual.Arch does not want to bring up the mistreatment of Kid by the aunts because it would divide the community. He is looking after the well-being of the community as a whole rather than the individual members. This idea was expressed in Ravensong as well; Stacey's mother helped other community members deal with their illness without thinking that she too might become sick.Stacey initally thought only of her own needs and wants and it was from this that her struggle with understanding her native community and culture stemmed.