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Essay on Pigeon

Pigeons are known as very beautiful and attractive birds. Pigeons are very calm. The pigeon's scientific name is Columba Livia Domestica. Smaller ones are usually called doves, larger ones are called pigeons. Other than this  there are white domestic pigeons, known as the “dove of peace.” The word ‘pigeon’ is derived from the Latin word ‘pipio’, meaning ‘young chirping bird’. The word ‘dove’ is of Norse origin and first appeared in the 14th century as ‘dova’ or ‘douve’. Pigeons are found all over the world except the Sahara Desert, Antarctica, and the high Arctic.

Pigeons have been found as domesticated birds for years. The pigeon is a medium size bird. Their weight is 2 to 4 kg. They are found in many colors such as white, gray, and brown. They have very short hair on their body, which helps them control their body temperature. The upper part of its beak has holes for breathing. A black-colored ring is made around the neck of a dove.

Pigeon Lifestyle

Pigeon prefers to live among humans from years ago. It is commonly found in all countries. Only white and gray pigeons are found in India. White pigeons are found in homes while gray and brown pigeons are found in the forests. It can also survive in icy and desert areas.

Pigeons always like to live in herds. Pigeons build their nests in tall buildings and vacant places. Their memory is very sharp. After traveling so far, they can return to the same place again.

In the morning, pigeons go out in search of food. Most pigeons are vegetarian. They eat grains, millet grains, fruits, etc. The pigeons are very calm and like to live together with humans. The life of a pigeon is about 6 years. The ability of the pigeon to see and hear is amazing. They can easily hear the sounds of earthquakes and storms.

Characteristics and Attributes

The pigeon moves the wings 10 times in 1 second while flying.

The pigeon's heart beats 600 times in 1 minute.

The pigeon can identify himself by seeing his face in the mirror. The pigeon is one of only 6 species, and the only non-mammal, to have this ability

The memory of a pigeon is very fast due to which it was used as a postman in old times.

In the second world war, thousands of lives were saved with the help of pigeons.

The pigeon can fly at a speed of 60 to 70 Kilometers per hour. Some pigeons can also fly at a speed of 92 Kilometers per hour.

Pigeons can fly up to 6000 feet altitude.

Pigeons can travel 600 miles in a day to come back to their hideout.

The pigeon is a very highly sensitive bird, it already steals natural disasters like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes.

The female pigeon lays 2 eggs at a time and chickens come out of it in the middle of 19 to 20 days.

It lives in a flock of 20 to 30 pigeons.

Pigeons can breed at the age of 6 months.

Pigeons are very intelligent so they can easily recognize 26 letters of the alphabet and they are also good at recognizing the appearance of humans.

Pigeons (and all the Columbidae family) drink by sucking water and using their beaks like straws. Most birds sip water and then throw their head back to swallow.

A Short Paragraph on Pigeon

Pigeons are beautiful birds, they are also known as domestic birds. Basically, pigeons like to live in groups and move along with their peer groups. Pigeons are the most attractive creation of God, they are adored by everyone due to their gentle nature. Pigeons rarely disturb other birds or people, they like calm surroundings more. Pigeons are very intellectual, they can make out or sense any unforeseen incident or calamities. Nowadays many people across the World breed pigeons, one who breeds pigeons referred to as Fanciers. In earlier days pigeon flying competitions were held between the Pigeon owners, pigeons kept flying in the sky all day long, the pigeon who flew for longer hours would be declared as the winner pigeon. Environmental change and increase in the hunting of pigeons lead them to the verge of extinction since they have no place to live in can be the other reason for the decreasing ratio of pigeons. 

Pigeons are beautiful birds of this world, we need to protect and give them the safest environment to live peacefully and calmly.   

Pigeons are very beautiful, attractive, and calm birds. Currently, the population of pigeons is decreasing day by day because of pollution because they did not have fresh air to breathe. We should take care of these beautiful creature so that they can freely live their life. 

FAQs on Pigeon Essay

1. What is the Scientific name of Pigeon?

The pigeon's scientific name is Columba Livia Domestica. Smaller ones are usually called doves, larger ones called pigeons.

2. Describe the Pigeon’s LifeStyle?

Pigeon prefers to live among humans from years ago. It is commonly found in all countries. Only white and grey pigeons are found in India. White pigeons are usually found in homes while grey and brown pigeons are found in the forests. It can also survive in icy and desert areas. Pigeon always likes to live in herds. Pigeons build their nests in tall buildings and ancient places. Their memory is very good. Most pigeons are vegetarian. They eat grains, millet grains and fruits, etc. They are very calm and like to live together with humans. The life of a pigeon is about 6 years.

3. Give any Six Characteristics of Pigeon.

The six characteristics of lifestyle of pigeon are-

The pigeon can fly at a speed of 60 to 70 Kilometres per hour. Some pigeons can also fly at a speed of 92 Kilometres per hour.

Pigeons can travel 600 miles in a day to come back to their hideout

Pigeons are very intelligent so they can easily recognize 26 letters of the alphabet and they are also adept at recognizing the appearance of humans.

4. How did pigeons start getting domesticated?

For thousands of years, pigeons have functioned as food, pets, holy animals, mail couriers, and more. Pigeons are mentioned for the first time in Mesopotamia, some 5,000 years ago. They were kept in large quantities by the ancient Egyptians, who would sacrifice tens of thousands at a time for ritual purposes. Thousands of pigeons accompanied Akbar the Great on his journey. They were brought to the Americas some 400 years ago because they were not indigenous to the continent. Interest in fancy pigeons grew in the 18th century, and breeders considerably enlarged the range of pigeons available.

Pigeons are genetically divided into two loose ancestral clades, yet because to frequent interbreeding and human-directed cross-breeding, there is striking genetic uniformity. Pigeons with excessive crops, tails, and manes belong to the first ancestral lineage, while tumblers (the most diversified group), homing pigeons, owl pigeons, and those with exaggerated wattles belong to the second.

5. How have pigeons contributed to human life?

Pigeons have made significant contributions to humans, particularly during times of conflict. Pigeons' homing skill has been put to use in combat by using them as messengers. Many crucial messages have been delivered by so-called war pigeons, and some have even been awarded for their efforts. Pigeons have received medals such as the Croix de Guerre, which was presented to Cher Ami, and the Dickin Medal, which was granted to the pigeons G.I. Joe and Paddy, among 32 others, for their contributions in saving human lives.

In spite of this, city pigeons are now considered to be troublesome pests, because of their droppings. In many regions of the world, feral pigeons are considered invasive, even though they have a positive impact on wild bird populations by acting as an essential prey species for birds of prey.

6. What is pigeon racing?

Pigeon racing is a sport in which highly trained homing pigeons are released and then return home over a predetermined distance. To decide which animal returned at the fastest speed, the time it takes the animal to traverse the prescribed distance is measured, and the bird's rate of travel is compared and calculated to the other pigeons in the race.

Pigeon racing makes the use of a specially bred pigeon necessary known as the Racing Homer. Competing pigeons are properly trained and conditioned for races ranging in length from 100 kilometers (62 miles) to 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) (620 mi). Despite these lengths, races can be won or lost by seconds, necessitating the development of numerous timing and measuring systems. Rubber rings are inserted in a specially built clock in the old way of timing, although RFID tags are used in later development to record arrival time.

7. What is the history of pigeon racing?

Pigeons bred for their homing abilities, particularly to transmit messages, were the forerunners of today's racing pigeons. "Pigeon posts" have been built all over the world, and while they were primarily utilized for military purposes, some are still in use today. Pigeon racing as we know it now began in Belgium in the mid-nineteenth century. Racing pigeons were initially developed at the same time in Belgium and England. They are the offspring of different breeds, including the French Cumulet, Smerle, Dragoon, English Carrier, and Horseman. Homer inherited the stamina and ability to fly for hours on end without tiring from the high-flying Cumulet. It had the capacity to find its way home across long distances from the Carrier.

The sport was helped by the new technologies of the era. The introduction of the railroad permitted pigeons to be sent to distant release points rapidly and at an average cost. Additionally, the introduction of mass-produced, sophisticated timing clocks brought accurate and secure timing to the sport. These clocks were made with special compartments where an entry band, taken apart from the returning race bird, was kept. When the clock struck, the officials recorded the time and also placed the band in a compartment that could only be accessed by race officials.

8. How can pigeons affect your own health and house?

Pigeon can affect your own health and house in the following ways:

Pigeon droppings can contain a variety of diseases. Inhaling pigeon droppings, for example, can cause Histoplasmosis, which can cause fever, chest aches, and other serious symptoms. Cryptococcosis and Psittacosis are two more diseases spread by pigeons. You can avoid the spread of these dangerous and deadly diseases by removing pigeons from your property and cleaning up their droppings.

Roof Damage

Pigeons can bring diseases into your home as well as cause major property damage. Pigeons frequently build their nests along the roof's edge. When pigeons build nests in your roof or gutters, your roof's structural stability is jeopardized. Furthermore, blocked gutters with pigeon nests can flood, causing damage inside your property. You may assist maintain the physical condition of your roof by keeping pigeons away from your home. 

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Pigeon English by Stephen Kelman – review

T he story of Stephen Kelman's debut novel Pigeon English is the unlikeliest of fairytales. Not, however, for its protagonist, Harri Opoku, an 11-year-old Ghanaian immigrant caught up in gang warfare on a south London estate, but for its author. After being discovered on a literary agency's slush pile, Kelman's manuscript sparked a bidding war between 12 UK publishers and was finally secured by Bloomsbury in January 2010 for what his agents described as a "high six-figure sum".

Since then, the hype has only intensified. Even before publication, Pigeon English has appeared on best new novel lists from Waterstones to the Guardian , and its (relatively) edgy credentials were cemented when the BBC commissioned an adaptation directed by Adam Smith of the E4 teen drama Skins .

The novel's world of urban grime and casual violence, of course, could not be more distant from such media plaudits. Pigeon English opens as Harri has just moved to the Dell Farm estate with his mother and older sister, Lydia, leaving his father, grandmother and baby sister, Agnes, behind in Ghana. Along with the shock of emigration and the usual preoccupations of growing up – whether lovely blonde Poppy Morgan will sit next to him in art class, whether his Diadora trainers can outrun his classmates' Nike Air Max – he must negotiate tougher problems.

Harri's surroundings bristle with half-understood menace, most obviously from the alcoholics, dealers, petty criminals and teenage members of the Dell Farm Crew gang who shadow the estate. But gradually his sister, aunt and even his mother, forced into moral compromise in her struggle to give her children a better life, are implicated in the violence that pervades estate life.

Pigeon English , which draws heavily on the killing of 10-year-old Damilola Taylor on a Peckham estate in 2000, weaves this suffering into a murder-mystery of sorts. After the seemingly random stabbing of an older boy outside a fried chicken shop, Harri and his friend Dean turn amateur detectives, scrutinising the estate and its dysfunctional inhabitants for clues. "We're looking for the knife the dead boy got killed with," he explains. "It's called the murder weapon." Kelman has already been much praised for his ability to write from an 11-year-old's perspective, but here, as often in the first half of the novel, Harri's voice feels laboured and faux-naïf.

Elsewhere, Kelman blends Ghanaian slang such as "Asweh" ("I swear") and "hutious" ("frightening") with familiar London-ese to fresher and funnier effect. When the boys watch a local dog choke on some lager offered by its alcoholic owner: "Every sneeze made a new sneeze. Even Asbo was surprised. He couldn't stop for donkey hours."

As well as describing the estate's own "pidgin", "Pigeon English" refers to a feral pigeon Harri comes to believe is watching over him. In the novel's weakest passages, Harri's street-smart observations give way to portentous prose in which this pigeon-protector reflects on magpies, poisoned grain and the fleeting nature of human existence: "I owe it to all of you, a cheap act of confederacy against the drip-dripping of ill-captured sand." The attempt to shoehorn yet more significance into a narrative already heavy with "relevance" falls flat.

Metropolitan excitement over Pigeon English is no surprise – the young French-Algerian writer Faïza Guène created a similar stir when she introduced the Paris banlieues and their verlan slang to French literary fiction in her 2004 debut Kiffe Kiffe Demain . Pigeon English (which comes packaged with reading group discussion points such as "Has the novel in any way changed the way you think about youth gangs, knife crime or urban poverty?") does an admirable job of revealing the frightened teenage boys behind gang members' tough façades. But it is too conscious of the gulf between its subjects and its inevitably middle-class readers to be truly convincing.

• The Observer
• Knife crime
• Damilola Taylor
• Stephen Kelman

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Pigeon English

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The idea of faith in a higher being or power penetrates the entire novel. The Jubilee Center where Harri and his family worship is not a traditional church space, but it is a sanctuary for Harri because of the community that meets there every week. Coming over from Ghana, having this community is in many ways a connection to his past life there. While none of his good friends are religious, this does not deter Harri from continuing his own relationship and understanding of God. Much of Harri’s internal logic and reasoning connect to his beliefs and he has a hyperaware conscience. In the moments when he witnesses the violence and bad attitudes in persons like those in the Dell Farm Crew, he considers how different they would be if they only had more knowledge of God and Jesus.

Gang Violence and Emotional Abuse

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Short Essay on Pigeon in English for Students and Children

300 word essay on pigeon.

The pigeon is a beautiful bird which is commonly found as a pet bird in the world. In other words, they are domestic birds. Pigeon is of many kinds and colors. It is found in almost every country of the world. Some are white, some are brown, and some are multi-colored with their beautiful fan-tail.

They build their nests with sticks. Pigeons eat pears, seeds, fruits, and insects etc. Generally, pigeons live in groups and move together in large groups with other pigeons. Pigeons are one of the most beautiful creations of God. People admire them for their beautiful and gentle nature.

Pigeons hardly disturb other birds or human beings. They are often kept as pets by many people. Millions of people in the world breed pigeons. The ones who breed them are called as Fanciers.

Pigeons are believed to be very intelligent birds. It is said that they can sense any kind of natural calamities like storms and earthquakes from far distant by their strong and extraordinary power of hearing. They can also identify themselves in the mirror.

Pigeons’ visual memory is too sharp and powerful that it can save more than two hundred objects indefinitely. They have a strong power to identify the place where they stay. They can go up to miles of distance and return to their place easily. It is said that in ancient times, Kings and warriors used to train pigeons as their messengers who used to carry messages to far places.

There are many famous places where different kinds of pigeons are found. People visit those places and feed them anything to watch them closely. They look beautiful when they live, move and fly together in groups.

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Short Essay on Pigeon [100, 200, 400 Words] With PDF

This session is going to be focused on writing short essays on Pegion. I will write three sets of essays on the same topic covering different word limits as recommended in most exams. 

Short Essay on Pigeon in 100 Words

The pigeon is a small bird that belongs to the family Columbidae. There are about 344 different species of pigeons. They are found all over the world, except in the Sahara desert and the Arctic as well as Antarctic regions. The smaller varieties are usually called doves while the larger ones are called pigeons.

Pigeons are usually found in colours like white, grey, black and brown. They have stout bodies, short necks and short slender bills. Pigeons feed on grains, seeds, fruits and plants. They build nests on branches of trees or ledges of buildings and lay one or two eggs at a time. Both parents care for their young. Pigeons were one of the first birds to be domesticated by humans. They were used to send letters during ancient times. 

Short Essay on Pigeon in 200 Words

The pigeon is a small and beautiful bird that belongs to the taxonomic family ‘Columbidae’. There are about 344 different species of pigeons and they are divided into 50 genera. Pigeons are found all over the world, except in the Sahara desert and the Arctic as well as Antarctic regions. The smaller species are usually called doves while the larger ones are called pigeons. 

Pigeons are usually found in colours like white, grey, black and brown. They have stout bodies, short necks and short slender bills. Pigeons feed on grains, seeds, fruits and plants. They build nests on branches of trees or ledges of buildings and lay one or two eggs at a time. Both parents care for their young. The baby pigeons are called squabs. They learn to fly within 5 weeks from their hatching and usually leave the nests soon after. 

Pigeons were one of the first birds to be domesticated by humans. They have been used as a source of food for thousands of years. They were also used to send letters during ancient times. Pigeons were used to deliver messages during world war I and II as well. The mentions of this bird can be found in different religions like Christianity, Islam, Judaism as well in ancient Greek, Mesopotamian and Levant religions. Today, Pigeons and doves are viewed as a symbol of peace. 

Short Essay on Pigeon in 400 Words

The pigeon is a small but magnificent bird that belongs to the taxonomic order ‘Columbiformes’ and the family ‘Columbidae’. There are about 344 different species of pigeons and they are divided into 50 genera. Pigeons are found all over the world, except in the Sahara desert and the Arctic as well as Antarctic regions. The smaller species are usually called doves while the larger ones are called pigeons. Out of all the different species of this bird, the rock doves are the most widespread and can be found across Europe, Northern Africa, Arabia, Central Asia, India and China. 

Pigeons are usually found in colours like white, grey, black and brown. They have stout bodies, short necks and short slender bills. A few species also feature fleshy ceres. Pigeons feed on grains, seeds, fruits and plants. The feral pigeons that live in urban environments have their natural feeding habits disturbed and are dependent on humans for food. 

Pigeons build nests on branches of trees, ledges of buildings or the ground and lay one or two eggs at a time. Both parents care for their young and unlike most birds, both parents produce crop milk to feed the babies. The baby pigeons are called squabs. They learn to fly within 5 weeks from their hatching and usually leave the nests soon after. 

Pigeons were one of the first birds to be domesticated by humans. They have been used as a source of food for thousands of years. A species known as the passenger pigeon was over-hunted and used as food for the slaves and poor during the 1800s-1900s in the US which led to its extinction.

Many species of island pigeons also went extinct because of certain human activities. Around 59 species of this bird are currently endangered and need to be protected. Many laws, regulations and conservation techniques are being used to protect and conserve these birds. 

Pigeons were kept as pets and were used by people to send letters during ancient times. They were also used to deliver messages during world war I and II. These birds were also awarded medals for their service.

The mentions of pigeons can be found in different religions like Christianity, Islam and Judaism. It can also be found in many ancient religions like the ones practised in ancient Levant, Mesopotamia and Greece. The pigeons were usually associated with Goddesses of these religions like Aphrodite, Inanna-Ishtar and Asherah. Today, Pigeons and doves are viewed as a symbol of peace. 

I have written the essays in this session with very simple words that all kinds of students can easily understand. If you still have any issues regarding this lesson, kindly let me know through some quick comments below. Keep browsing our website for more such sessions on various important topics. 

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Essay On Pigeon In English and For Class 6

Essay on pigeon in english.

Pigeons, belonging to the Columbidae family, encompass a wide variety of 308 bird species under the order Columbiformes. Globally dispersed, these birds find their richest diversity in regions like Indonesia and Australia. Commonly, the term “pigeon” is interchangeably used with “dove,” especially in urban contexts where these birds are frequent visitors. The domestication of pigeons traces back to ancient civilizations, notably the Egyptians and Sumerians around 3000 BC, heralding a profound relationship between humans and these avian creatures.

Historically, pigeons have been revered, often considered sacred messengers by civilizations such as the Egyptians, who would mummify them for spiritual purposes. This reverence facilitated the spread of pigeon domestication, reaching the Greeks and Romans who furthered the breeding and diversification of pigeon breeds. Today, this legacy continues with a myriad of pigeon breeds, each with distinct characteristics.

Pigeons exhibit a remarkable range of physical and behavioral traits. Notably, they possess a unique ability to recognize all 26 letters of the alphabet, demonstrating their intelligence. Their vision is equally impressive, with the capability to perceive color and ultraviolet light, extending beyond the visual capacity of humans. Moreover, pigeons have an extraordinary navigational skill set, utilizing the Earth’s magnetic field and seismic waves to find their way home, a feat that fascinates scientists and bird enthusiasts alike.

The life expectancy of pigeons varies significantly, influenced by factors such as human interaction and natural predators, with falcons being their most formidable foes. Despite these challenges, pigeons have adapted to various environments, showcasing their resilience and versatility.

Pigeons have not only adapted to the natural world but have also played significant roles in human history. Their homing ability, for instance, was instrumental during the world wars, saving thousands of lives by delivering messages across enemy lines. Such historical significance underscores the pigeon’s enduring impact on human society.

The pigeon’s scientific nomenclature, Columba Livia Domestica, hints at their domestication history. Despite their global presence, pigeons thrive in harmony with humans, often found in urban settings as well as rural areas. Their diet predominantly consists of grains and fruits, reflecting their vegetarian tendencies.

In terms of social behavior, pigeons exhibit a strong preference for communal living, often seen in flocks. They possess remarkable memory and navigational skills, enabling them to return to their nests over great distances. This ability, coupled with their calm demeanor, makes pigeons a familiar and welcomed presence in human environments.

The reproductive cycle of pigeons is another area of interest, with females typically laying two eggs per cycle. Pigeons reach maturity quickly, allowing for rapid population growth under favorable conditions. This aspect, combined with their intelligence and the ability to recognize human faces, underscores the complexity and adaptability of these birds.

In conclusion, pigeons are more than just urban dwellers or subjects of historical anecdotes. They are creatures of great intelligence, adaptability, and significance, both in the natural world and in their interactions with humans. As populations fluctuate due to various factors, it becomes imperative to appreciate and protect these birds, ensuring they continue to thrive alongside humanity. Pigeons, with their gentle nature and remarkable abilities, remain a fascinating subject of study and an enduring symbol of peace and resilience.

Essay On Pigeon In English For Class 6

Pigeons are fascinating birds that have lived alongside humans for thousands of years. These birds are part of the Columbidae family, which includes over 300 species found all around the world. Pigeons can adapt to various environments, which is why you can find them everywhere except in the coldest and driest places like the Sahara Desert, Antarctica, and the Arctic.

Pigeons have a rich history with humans, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Egyptians and Sumerians over 5,000 years ago. These people held pigeons in high regard, considering them sacred and using them as messengers. The practice of keeping and breeding pigeons spread from Egypt to other parts of the world, including ancient Greece and Rome. Over time, different pigeon breeds were developed, each with unique features.

One interesting fact about pigeons is their incredible ability to find their way home. They can fly up to 700 miles in a single day at speeds up to 77.6 mph. Pigeons have a keen sense of direction, thanks to their ability to sense the Earth’s magnetic field and use other cues like the sun and landmarks to navigate.

Pigeons are not only known for their navigation skills but also for their intelligence. They can recognize all 26 letters of the alphabet and have a remarkable memory. During the World Wars, pigeons saved thousands of lives by delivering important messages.

Despite their importance and intelligence, pigeons are often misunderstood. Some people see them as pests, mainly because of the mess they can make in urban areas. However, pigeons play a crucial role in our cities. They help control insect populations and are a source of food for predators like falcons.

Pigeons come in various colors, including white, gray, and brown. They prefer living in groups and can be found in both urban and rural areas. Their diet mainly consists of seeds, fruits, and plants. Pigeons are also known for their unique drinking method—they suck up water using their beaks like straws, unlike most birds.

Protecting pigeons and their habitats is essential for maintaining biodiversity and the balance of our ecosystems. As humans, we have a responsibility to ensure these remarkable birds can thrive in a safe and clean environment. By understanding and appreciating pigeons, we can foster a more harmonious relationship with these beautiful creatures that have been our companions for millennia.

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Pigeon English

By stephen kelman, pigeon english quotes and analysis.

I didn’t know the boy who died, he wasn’t mine. But I do know the shape of a mother’s grief, I know how it clings like those resilient blackberries that prosper by the side of a motorway. The Pigeon, March

In this quotation, Harri's "special pigeon" observes the aftermath and impact of a child's death. The pigeon remarks that the dead boy "wasn't mine," indicating that, by contrast, Harri's belief that he and the pigeon share a special connection is true. The pigeon compares a mother's grief to blackberries that grow on the side of the road. This poetic comparison indicates that when a mother loses a child, like the dead boy's mother and Harri's mother, their grief persists even in times of joy and healing, just as blackberries that grow on the side of the road thrive in an inhospitable environment, no matter how many times the bushes are pruned back. By comparing a mother's grief to berries, rather than weeds or other invasive plants, the pigeon suggests that grief can "bear fruit" or turn into something positive. For example, the parents of Damilola Taylor, on whom Harri's story is loosely based, processed their grief over their child's murder by advocating against youth violence in London.

That's why I have to help him now, he was my friend even if he didn't know about it. He was my first friend who got killed and it hurts too much to forget. Harri, March

Harri begins investigating the dead boy's murder because he feels an inexplicable connection with the murdered teen. Though they never spoke, Harri knew the dead boy by sight and observed his talents, like playing basketball and riding "his bike with no hands." Harri defines his relationship with the dead boy by calling him a friend, "even if he didn't know about it." By calling the dead boy a "friend," Harri indicates that he identifies with the boy; he hoped to be like the dead boy, and the latter's death leads him to understand that anyone can suffer senseless violence. Harri struggles to understand why he feels loss and trauma over the boy's murder even though they were not close.

Harri's feelings about the dead boy translate into action; Harri is disillusioned by the authorities' inaction and how quickly his peers move on. Thus, Harri feels compelled to solve the murder himself.

"The only friends a man needs, his bat and a drink. One to get you what you want, the other to forget how you got it. You’ll see what I mean one day. Just stay good for as long as you can, eh? Just stay the way you are." Julius, April

Julius explains to Harri that he uses violence to make a living, and alcohol to cope with the consequences of his actions. Julius uses his bat, "the Persuader," to maim and kill people who fail to repay their debts. Julius frequently drinks "kill-me-quick," a high-alcohol-content moonshine. Though Julius often justifies his violent behavior, laughing at his victims and claiming the people he harms "should pay [their] debts like everybody else," this quotation indicates Julius is not a born monster but a made one. By advising Harri to "stay good" for as long as he can, Julius implies that there was a time before he turned to violence and feels some semblance of remorse.

Mamma likes it best when it’s a child who died. That’s when she prays the hardest. She prays proper hard and squeezes you until you think you’re going to burst. Grown-ups love sad news, it gives them something special to pray for. Harri, April

In this quotation, Harri misunderstands why his mother fixates on news stories about child death. Since Mamma enjoys church and advises her children to pray, Harri assumes that any time his mother prays, it is a positive experience. In reality, Harri's mother prays fervently because she knows her children will always be in danger, though she does her best to protect them. This quotation exemplifies Harri's innocence: he is frequently unable to recognize when he is in danger and thus misses chances to ask his family for help.

In England they can never tell if it’s a trick or serious. I think they get tricked too much and it makes them forget what the serious feels like. Harri, May

Harri makes this observation after he sincerely thanks the "chair car lady" for giving him a lift and apologizes for "the commotion" of the Dell Farm Crew chasing him. The "chair lady," used to being mocked and abused, assumes Harri is being sarcastic and curses him. This quotation is unexpectedly poignant, commenting on the elements of Harri's environment that breed gang violence. Since Harri's peers are used to danger, fear, and abuse, being defensive and vigilant become habits. In high-stress environments like Harri's estate, people try to appear tough as a survival strategy.

It wasn’t my fault they ruined the church. If I was in the gang I could tell them about God. I could even save them. A gang can be for good things, not just for tricks. Harri, May

In this quotation, Harri tries to justify his desire to join the Dell Farm Crew by speculating that he could serve as a missionary for them. Though Harri doesn't want to commit crimes, his stated reason for wanting to join the gang is insincere. Throughout the text, Harri states that if he joins the Dell Farm crew, he will be "the big fish" and "all the little fish would be scared," protecting him from abuse. Thus, Harri convinces himself that if he teaches the Dell Farm Crew about God, he can benefit from their protection while maintaining his morals.

Sharks never sleep. They have to keep swimming or they’ll die so they’re not allowed to sleep at all, not even for one second. Harri, June

Sea creatures fascinate Harri, and he peppers his narrative with zoological facts. This particular fact about sharks is symbolic. Young boys in Harri's neighborhood have to be like sharks, constantly moving and vigilant; otherwise, gangs can harm or even kill them. By using the image of a shark constantly swimming, the text invites the reader to imagine how stressful life in London is for Harry and his peers, and how such hypervigilance can push children to join gangs.

I was still very scared. Anybody can die, even a baby. They die every day. The dead boy never hurt anybody and he got chooked to death. I saw the blood. His blood. If it can happen to him it can happen to anybody. Harri, June

When Agnes gets a fever, Harri is again confronted with his own mortality. Though he is an innocent child, Harri has seen his fair share of untimely deaths. This quotation, which marks Harri's realization that he could actually be in danger, foreshadows Harri's eventual murder.

"He needed to be strong for when the bad crimes started happening. He didn’t even know they were coming but God knew all along. God sent the spider to make him ready. I wish it would happen all the time like that. I could have saved my papa then." Altaf, July

In this quotation, Harri's friend Altaf explains that Spiderman, his favorite superhero, was not born with superpowers but was chosen by God, or rather bitten by a spider, which empowered him to fight crime. In this quotation, Altaf reveals that his fascination with superheroes began after his father was killed during the war in Somalia, though he was a civilian. This quotation demonstrates that Harri and his peers feel helpless in the face of violence and oppression and dream of ways to fight for themselves. To some extent, Harri and Altaf understand violence and danger, but as children, they can do little to prevent it and can only bear the trauma.

Everybody just watched the fire. They didn’t even want to talk anymore, they just wanted to watch. They couldn’t help it. They were stuck there. The playground was dying but nobody was trying to save it. They knew they couldn’t do anything, it was too hot and beautiful. They knew the fire would always win. It was brilliant and sad and hutious all at the same time. Harri, July

Harri's neighborhood watches in silence as the playground burns after the Dell Farm Crew set fire to it. The quotation has an additional symbolic meaning; the burning playground symbolizes the loss of innocence wrought by youth violence in London. The playground represents childhood innocence, and the arson represents the destructive force of gang violence. Though Harri's community grieves the destruction, they cannot stop the blaze, though the firemen douse the flames in under a minute. Similarly, the community cannot prevent violence. However, the police are inept and abusive, exacerbating the problem.

Pigeon English Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for Pigeon English is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

How does Kelman present ideas of control and power in Pigeon English?

All of the characters are forced to uphold the masculine traits like power and control or toughness and ruthlessness in order to protect themselves. This culture of violence means that life is treated as disposable and death is ever-present.

how does the writer present the struggles of childhood in pigeon english

The setting of this British town is quite a dangerous place, especially for the children. As readers learn almost from the outset, a boy from Harrison's school was murdered and left for dead in the street recently. Harrison learns firsthand how...

How does Stephan Kelman present Harri as a vulnerable character in the novel

Being from Ghana and still a child, Hari is vulnerable to the world of a child near teen as well as the world of a visible immigrant. The protagonist/narrator is an eleven-year-old schoolboy newly arrived in London from Ghana. He is a good kid...

Study Guide for Pigeon English

Pigeon English study guide contains a biography of Stephen Kelman, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About Pigeon English
• Pigeon English Summary
• Character List

Lesson Plan for Pigeon English

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Introduction to Pigeon English
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• Pigeon English Bibliography

Pigeon English

Stephen kelman, everything you need for every book you read., harrison opoku (harri) quotes in pigeon english.

I live in Copenhagen House. My flat is on floor 9 out of 14. It's not even hutious. I can look from the window now and my belly doesn't even turn over.

I love going in the lift, it's brutal, especially when you're the only one in there. Then you could be a spirit or a spy. You even forget the pissy smell because you're going so fast.

It's proper windy at the bottom like a whirlpool. If you stand at the bottom where the tower meets the ground and put your arms out, you can pretend like you're a bird. You can feel the wind try to pick you up, it's nearly like flying.

The flowers on the coffin said Son and Forever. But it felt like Forever was already finished. It felt like somebody took it away when they killed the dead boy. It's not supposed to happen. Children aren't supposed to die, only old people. It even made me worried for if I was next. I spat out the rest of my Atomic Apple Hubba Bubba for if I swallowed it by mistake and my guts all got stuck together.

We're proper detectives now. It's a personal mission. The dead boy even told the rogues to leave me alone one time when they were hooting me for wearing ankle-freezers (that's when the legs of your trousers are too short). I didn't even ask him, he just helped me for no reason. Wanted him to be my friend after that but he got killed before it came true. That's why I have to help him now, he was my friend even if he didn't know about it. He was my first friend who got killed and it hurts too much to forget.

Altaf is very quiet. Nobody really knows him. You're not supposed to talk to Somalis because they're pirates. Everybody agrees. If you talk to them you might give away a clue to where you keep your treasure and the next

thing you know, your wife has been strangled alive and they're throwing you to the sharks. Me and Altaf don't have to go to RE. Mamma doesn't want me to hear about the false gods, she says it's a waste of time, and Altaf's mamma thinks the same thing.

Some rules I have learned from my new school:

No running on the stairs.

No singing in class.

Always put your hand up before you ask a question.

Don't swallow the gum or it will get stuck in your guts and you'll die.

Jumping in the puddle means you're a retard (I don't even agree with this one).

Going around the puddle means you're a girl.

The last one in close the door.

The first one to answer the question loves the teacher.

If a girl looks at you three times in a row it means she loves you.

If you look at her back you love her.

He who smelt it dealt it.

He who denied it supplied it.

He who sensed it dispensed it.

He who knew it blew it.

He who noted it floated it.

He who declared it aired it.

He who spoke it broke it.

He who exposed it composed it.

He who blamed it flamed it.

(All these are just for farts.)

If you look at the back of a mirror you'll see the devil.

Don't eat the soup. The dinner ladies pissed in it.

Don't lend Ross Kelly your pen. He picks his arse klinkers with it.

Keep to the left (everywhere). The right is out of bounds.

The library stairs are safe.

If he wears a pinky ring he's a gay (a pinky ring is a ring on your little finger).

If she wears a bracelet on her ankle she's a lesbian (shags it up with other ladies).

In football nobody used to pass to me. I thought it meant they hated me. Then I found out it's because I used the wrong command. Instead of saying pass to me you have to say man on. Apart from that the rules are the same as where I used to live. Vilis still doesn't pass to me but I don't care. Where he comes from (Latvia) they burn black people into tar and make roads out of them. Everybody agrees.

Auntie Sonia burned her fingers to get the fingerprints off. Now she has no fingerprints at all. It's so if the police catch her they can't send her away. Your fingerprints tell them who you are. If you have no fingerprints, you can't be

anybody. Then they don't know where you belong so they can't send you back. Then they have to let you stay.

Auntie Sonia hasn't even done anything bad. She's never killed anybody or stolen anything. She just likes to go to different places. She likes to see the different things there. Some of the countries won't let you in if you're black. You have to sneak in. When you're in you just act like everybody else. Auntie Sonia only does the same things as them. She goes to work and shopping. She eats her dinner and goes to the park.

I just wanted to get your attention, Harri, get you out of another mess. I'm trying to help you while I still can, I'm trying my best but there's only so much I can do from here […] Home will always find you if you walk true and taller than those weeds. You can be a tree, you can be as big as you want to be.

In England nobody helps you if you fall over. They can't tell if you're serious or if it's just a trick. It's too hard to know what's real.

Kids vs Teachers

Northwell Manor High vs Leabridge High

Dell Farm Crew vs Lewsey Hill Crew

Emos vs Sunshine

Turkey vs Russia

Arsenal vs Chelsea

Black vs White

Police vs Kids

God vs Allah

Chicken Joe's vs KFC

Cats vs Dogs

Aliens vs Predators

Signs of guilt include:

Ants in your pant

Talking too fast

Always looking around you like you've lost something

Smoking too much

Crying too much

Biting your fingers

Sudden bouts of violence

Uncontrolled gas (farting a lot)

Religious hysteria

I wonder what Heaven is really like. Is it different for kids than for grown-ups. Like would there still be somebody there telling him to come in

from playing football when it got too dark. The dead boy could do the most tricks, he could flick the ball up with his heel and keep it up for donkey hours with both feet. He always aimed his shots for the corners like you're supposed

to and he was even good at heading. He was good at everything. I wonder if there's dogs like Asbo who steal your ball. That would be funny. I hope in Heaven the animals can all talk, then they can tell you when they're happy so

you don't have to guess. You can usually tell from the eyes but it only works on bigger animals, not pigeons or flies. Their eyes only look sad.

If Agnes dies I'll just swap places with her. She can have my life. I'll give it to her and I'll die instead. I wouldn't mind because I've already lived for a long time. Agnes has only lived for one year and some. I hope God lets me. I don't

mind going to Heaven early. If he wants me to swap places, I will. I just hope I can try Haribo Horror Mix first (they're my favourite of all the Haribo styles. The sweets are all crazy shapes, like bats and spiders and ghosts. Mamma says it's against God but she just worries too much).

I love it when you get a good surprise. Like the cement being there just waiting for us to write in it or like when you think somebody will be rubbish at something and then you find out they're actually brilliant at it. It was the same with Manik: nobody suspected him to be such a good goalie because he's so fat, but actually Manik's a brilliant goalie. It's impossible to score against him. Nothing ever gets past him […] I didn't think Dean would be such a good climber because he has orange hair. I just didn't suspect it. But actually he's a brilliant climber.

Fingerprints are just for feeling with and to help you hold onto things when they're wet. They don't really mean anything. If you didn't have fingerprints you could be anyone you wanted.

I ran fast. I ran down the hill and through the tunnel. I shouted:

Me: 'Poppy I love you!'

It made a mighty echo. Nobody else heard it.

I ran past the real church. I ran past the cross.

I ran past the Jubilee.

I ran past the CCTV camera. I let it snap me for luck.

I ran past the other pigeons. I pretended they called hello to me.

Me: 'Pigeons I love you!'

It didn't even feel stupid, it felt brilliant. I ran past the playground and the dead climbing frame. I was running superfast. I was going faster than I've ever gone, my feet were just a blur. Nobody could ever catch me, I was going

to break the world record.

Pigeon: 'Don't worry, you'll be going home soon. When it's time to go I'll show you the way.'

Me: 'Can't I stay here?'

Pigeon: 'It's not up to me. You've been called home.'

Me: 'It hurts. Do you work for God?'

Pigeon: 'I'm sorry if it hurts. It won't be long now.'

Me: 'I like your feet. They're nice and scratchy. I like all your colours.'

Pigeon: 'Thank you. I like you too, I always did. There's nothing to be scared of.'

You could see the blood. It was darker than you thought. It just felt too crazy, I couldn't keep my eyes open. I just wanted to remember, if I could remember it would be alright. Agnes's tiny fat fingers and face. I couldn't see it anymore. All babies look the same.