# Loyalty and Devotion in Bashan and I

> Theme guide for Bashan and I by Thomas Mann.

Bashan's unwavering loyalty to the narrator is a central theme, manifesting in his constant presence, his waiting, and his submissive yet affectionate behavior, which reflects a profound, almost patriarchal bond of vassal-friendship.

## Where it surfaces

- [How We Acquired Bashan](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bashan_and_i_se/chapters/ii-how-we-acquired-bashan): Bashan's instinctive return to his birthplace and later his gradual loyalty to the narrator's household illustrate the theme of devotion and belonging.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bashan_and_i_se/themes/loyalty_and_devotion
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/bashan_and_i_se/themes