Mary Allen
Introduction: "A Dark Brown Dog"
"A Dark Brown Dog" is a short story written by Stephen Crane that was first published in 1901. The story follows the journey of a stray dog who, after being kicked and beaten by a drunkard, finds himself in the care of a man and his young son. The story explores themes of abuse, redemption, and the innate goodness of children.
Main Character: The Dark Brown Dog
The dark brown dog is the protagonist of the story. He is a stray dog who wanders the streets looking for food and shelter. Despite the harsh treatment he receives from humans, he is friendly and trusting, and longs for companionship. The dark brown dog’s loyalty and innocence are central to the story, and he is a symbol for the inherent goodness in all living creatures.
The Drunkard: The Dog’s First Owner
The drunkard is the first owner of the dark brown dog. He is a cruel and violent man who kicks and beats the dog for no reason. The drunkard represents the worst of humanity, and his treatment of the dog highlights the theme of abuse and the cruelty that can exist in the world.
The Man: The Dog’s Second Owner
The man is the second owner of the dark brown dog. He finds the dog injured and takes him home to care for him. The man is kind and patient with the dog, and teaches him how to behave in a home. However, the man also struggles with the dog’s wild nature and his desire for freedom. The man represents the struggle between domestication and the natural world, and his relationship with the dog highlights the tension between these two forces.
The Child: The Dog’s Third Owner
The child is the third and final owner of the dark brown dog. He is a young boy who immediately falls in love with the dog and forms a strong bond with him. The child represents innocence and purity, and his love for the dog is a contrast to the cruelty and violence of the drunkard. The child’s relationship with the dog is the heart of the story, and it is through their interactions that the theme of redemption is explored.
The Dark Brown Dog’s Struggle for Freedom
Throughout the story, the dark brown dog struggles with his desire for freedom. He longs to be out in the wild, running free and exploring the world. However, he also craves the companionship and love that he receives from the man and the child. The dog’s struggle for freedom represents the tension between the natural world and domestication, and highlights the conflict between these two forces.
The Man’s Struggle with the Dark Brown Dog
The man also struggles with the dog’s desire for freedom. He wants to keep the dog safe and happy, but he also recognizes that the dog’s wild nature cannot be tamed completely. The man’s struggle represents the tension between domestication and the natural world, and highlights the difficulty of balancing these two forces.
The Child’s Innocent Love for the Dark Brown Dog
The child’s innocent love for the dark brown dog is a central theme of the story. The child sees the dog’s inherent goodness and loves him unconditionally, despite his wild nature. The child’s love for the dog is a symbol for the innate goodness in all living creatures, and highlights the redemptive power of love.
The Dark Brown Dog’s Death
The dark brown dog’s death is a tragic moment in the story. He is run over by a cart, and the man and the child are devastated by his loss. The dog’s death represents the fragility of life, and the importance of cherishing the time that we have with those we love.
Symbolism in "A Dark Brown Dog"
"A Dark Brown Dog" is rich with symbolism. The dark brown dog represents the innate goodness in all living creatures. The drunkard represents the cruelty and violence that can exist in the world, while the man represents the struggle between domestication and the natural world. The child represents innocence and purity, and his love for the dog is a symbol for the redemptive power of love.
Conclusion: The Significance of the Characters
The characters in "A Dark Brown Dog" represent different aspects of the human experience. The dark brown dog represents the innate goodness in all living creatures, and his journey towards redemption highlights the power of love and companionship. The drunkard represents the cruelty and violence that can exist in the world, while the man represents the struggle between domestication and the natural world. The child represents innocence and purity, and his love for the dog is a symbol for the redemptive power of love.
References: Works Cited
Crane, Stephen. "A Dark Brown Dog." The Norton Anthology of American Literature, edited by Nina Baym, 8th ed., vol. C, W. W. Norton & Company, 2012, pp. 1178-82.