Westernization plays a key role throughout the novel : setting up key relations between characters , showing Sinha 's view on western influence , and giving a more accurate depiction of " distant sufferers . " This book is about a chemical disaster — caused by an American company — on Indian soil . Furthering this point Sinha shows a complete refusal by the same company to accept any repercussions for their actions . The various examples of apprehension towards outsiders ( the journalist ( Jarnaliss ) , the leaders of the Company ( Kampani ) , and Elli the doctress ) give insight into preexisting blame-based relationships . These outsiders , associated with the company that neglected responsibility for making the people ill , are seen as tools to help mask and minimize the harm to Khaufpur . Western materialism is objectified through Animal 's eyes , with images like the Coca-Cola sign that is so commercialized that it transcends language barriers . Sinha alters facts from the real Bhopal disaster including the name of the city , the company responsible , and names of individuals involved in the relief effort . This shows how he wished to make this story applicable to all western caused debacles
Bhopal disaster
Bhopal disaster
Animal's People