How Falling in Love is like Owning a Dog

The main thematic and symbolic concerns of “How Falling in Love is like Owning a Dog” are introduced through Mali’s use of simile within the poem’s title (see: Literary Devices “Figurative Language: Simile and Metaphor”). Mali’s stark comparison of romantic partnership to pet ownership creates a double entendre that permeates the entire poem. A double entendre is a subtle figure of speech that creates two different interpretations out of a singular word, phrase, or sentence. The first instance occurs within the first three lines of the poem: “First of all, it’s a big responsibility, / especially in a city like New York. / So think long and hard before deciding on love” (Lines 1-3). The decision Mali references can be interpreted as two different types of commitment: adopting a dog, or entering into a relationship with another person. Mali characterizes this commitment as a “big responsibility” (Line 1), underscoring the idea that love and pet ownership are both joyous, but promising to take care of another living thing is a serious endeavor.

Mali continually looks at both sides of the coin, using contradiction, or the combination of conflicting ideas and