June 12, 2024 - English Studies

“Epitaph to a Dog” by Lord Byron: A Critical Analysis

“Epitaph to a Dog” by Lord Byron was written in 1808 in honor of his Newfoundland dog, Boatswain, who died of rabies.

Introduction: “Epitaph to a Dog” by Lord Byron

“Epitaph to a Dog” by Lord Byron was written in 1808 in honor of his Newfoundland dog, Boatswain, who died of rabies. It was first published in 1810 as part of the second edition of Byron’s collection “Poems Original and Translated.” The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its heartfelt expression of grief, its celebration of the unwavering loyalty and unconditional love of dogs, and its stark contrast between canine virtue and human failings. Byron’s poignant verses have resonated with readers for centuries, making the poem’s place the top classic elegy for a darling pet.

Text: “Epitaph to a Dog” by Lord Byron

Near this Spot
are deposited the Remains of one
who possessed Beauty without Vanity,
Strength without Insolence,
Courage without Ferosity,
and all the virtues of Man without his Vices.
This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery
if inscribed over human Ashes,
is but a just tribute to the Memory of
BOATSWAIN, a DOG,
who was born in Newfoundland May 1803
and died at Newstead Nov. 18th, 1808.

When some proud Son of Man returns to Earth,
Unknown to Glory but upheld by Birth,
The sculptor’s art exhausts the pomp of woe,
And storied urns record who rests below:
When all is done, upon the Tomb is seen
Not what he was, but what he should have been.
But the poor Dog, in life the firmest friend,
The first to welcome, foremost to defend,
Whose honest heart is still his Master’s own,
Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone,
Unhonour’d falls, unnotic’d all his worth,
Deny’d in heaven the Soul he held on earth:
While man, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven,
And claims himself a sole exclusive heaven.
Oh man! thou feeble tenant of an hour,
Debas’d by slavery, or corrupt by power,
Who knows thee well, must quit thee with disgust,
Degraded mass of animated dust!
Thy love is lust, thy friendship all a cheat,
Thy tongue hypocrisy, thy heart deceit!
By nature vile, ennobled but by name,
Each kindred brute might bid thee blush for shame.
Ye! who behold perchance this simple urn,
Pass on, it honors none you wish to mourn.
To mark a friend’s remains these stones arise;
I never knew but one—and here he lies.

Annotations: “Epitaph to a Dog” by Lord Byron

Line	Annotation
Near this Spot	Indicates the location near which the epitaph is placed.
are deposited the Remains of one	Refers to the burial of the dog, Boatswain.
who possessed Beauty without Vanity,	Describes the dog’s appearance and character, beautiful but not conceited.
Strength without Insolence,	Highlights the dog’s strength combined with humility.
Courage without Ferosity,	Praises the dog’s bravery without aggression.
and all the virtues of Man without his Vices.	States that the dog had all human virtues but none of the vices.
This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery	Suggests that such praise would be empty flattery if applied to a human.
if inscribed over human Ashes,	Reinforces that the praise is sincere because it is for a dog, not a human.
is but a just tribute to the Memory of	Asserts that the praise is a rightful homage.
BOATSWAIN, a DOG,	Names the dog, Boatswain, as the subject of the epitaph.
who was born in Newfoundland May 1803	Provides the birth details of the dog.
and died at Newstead Nov. 18th, 1808.	Provides the death details of the dog.
When some proud Son of Man returns to Earth,	Introduces a contrast with human death, referring to a man of pride dying.
Unknown to Glory but upheld by Birth,	Critiques those who are born into status but achieve nothing notable.
The sculptor’s art exhausts the pomp of woe,	Describes how elaborate tombs are made for such men.
And storied urns record who rests below:	Indicates that inscriptions on tombs tell their stories.
When all is done, upon the Tomb is seen	Concludes that even with all the decoration, the tomb reveals…
Not what he was, but what he should have been.	…a person’s aspirations rather than their true nature.
But the poor Dog, in life the firmest friend,	Shifts back to the dog, emphasizing its loyalty.
The first to welcome, foremost to defend,	Highlights the dog’s eagerness to greet and protect.
Whose honest heart is still his Master’s own,	Emphasizes the dog’s unwavering loyalty to its master.
Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone,	Describes the dog’s dedication to its master.
Unhonour’d falls, unnotic’d all his worth,	Laments that the dog’s value is unrecognized in death.
Deny’d in heaven the Soul he held on earth:	Expresses sorrow that the dog is not believed to have an afterlife.
While man, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven,	Criticizes man’s vanity and hope for redemption.
And claims himself a sole exclusive heaven.	Points out human arrogance in claiming heaven for themselves.
Oh man! thou feeble tenant of an hour,	Addresses humans as weak and temporary beings.
Debas’d by slavery, or corrupt by power,	Comments on how humans are corrupted by slavery or power.
Who knows thee well, must quit thee with disgust,	States that knowing humans well leads to disgust.
Degraded mass of animated dust!	Describes humans as lowly and insignificant.
Thy love is lust, thy friendship all a cheat,	Accuses humans of being deceitful in love and friendship.
Thy tongue hypocrisy, thy heart deceit!	Continues to criticize human hypocrisy and deceitfulness.
By nature vile, ennobled but by name,	Claims humans are inherently vile, ennobled only by titles.
Each kindred brute might bid thee blush for shame.	Suggests that even animals could make humans feel ashamed.
Ye! who behold perchance this simple urn,	Addresses anyone who might see the urn.
Pass on, it honors none you wish to mourn.	Tells them to move on, as the urn honors someone they don’t know.
To mark a friend’s remains these stones arise;	Explains that the stones mark the remains of a friend.
I never knew but one—and here he lies.	Concludes by stating that the speaker had only one friend, and it was the dog.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Epitaph to a Dog” by Lord Byron

Literary/Poetic Device	Example from the Poem	Explanation
Alliteration	“Beauty without Vanity,” “Strength without Insolence”	Repetition of initial consonant sounds to create rhythm and emphasis.
Anaphora	“Who labours, who fights, who lives, who breathes for him alone”	Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses for emphasis.
Antithesis	“Virtues of Man without his Vices”	Juxtaposition of contrasting ideas in balanced phrases.
Apostrophe	“Oh man!”	A direct address to an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction.
Assonance	“storied urns”	Repetition of vowel sounds within words.
Caesura	“When all is done, upon the Tomb is seen”	A pause or break within a line of poetry, often marked by punctuation.
Chiasmus	“Debas’d by slavery, or corrupt by power”	A reversal of grammatical structures in successive phrases or clauses.
Consonance	“not what he was, but what he should have been“	Repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words.
Enjambment	“Deny’d in heaven the Soul he held on earth: / While man, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven”	Continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line or stanza.
Hyperbole	“vain insect!” (referring to man)	Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
Irony	“This praise, which would be unmeaning Flattery / if inscribed over human Ashes”	Expression of meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite.
Juxtaposition	“poor Dog” and “proud Son of Man”	Placement of two things closely together to emphasize comparisons or contrasts.
Metaphor	“Degraded mass of animated dust!” (referring to man)	A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.
Oxymoron	“Beauty without Vanity”	A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction.
Parallelism	“Strength without Insolence, / Courage without Ferocity”	Use of similar grammatical constructions to express ideas that are related or equal in importance.
Personification	“sculptor’s art exhausts the pomp of woe”	Attribution of human characteristics to something nonhuman.
Rhetorical Question	“Who knows thee well, must quit thee with disgust?”	A question asked merely for effect with no answer expected.
Symbolism	“urn” (representing death and remembrance)	Use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense.
Tone	Elegiac, satirical, cynical	The general character or attitude of a piece of writing.
Understatement	“simple urn” (referring to the dog’s burial place)	The presentation of something as being smaller, worse, or less important than it actually is.

Themes: “Epitaph to a Dog” by Lord Byron

Virtue and Morality: The poem showcases Boatswain’s exemplary character, demonstrating that he embodied virtues like beauty, strength, and courage without the flaws that often accompany them in humans. Byron’s tribute to his dog’s memory underscores the sincerity of these praises, which would be insincere if applied to human ashes. The use of words like “Vanity”, “Insolence”, “Ferosity”, and “Vices” highlights the contrast between human and animal nature, emphasizing that Boatswain’s virtues were genuine and untainted.
Mortality and Legacy: The poem highlights the disparity in how humans and animals are remembered after death. While humans are often honored with grand tombs and urns that record their accomplishments, animals like Boatswain are often forgotten despite their loyalty and worth. Byron’s tribute to his dog serves as a counterpoint to this neglect, ensuring that Boatswain’s memory lives on. The use of words like “pomp of woe” and “storied urns” highlights the grandeur with which humans are often memorialized, while animals like Boatswain are often forgotten.
Critique of Humanity: The poem delivers a scathing critique of human nature, with Byron arguing that humans are debased by their own vices. He contends that human love, friendship, and language are all false, and that humans are corrupted by power and slavery. This critique serves as a contrast to the genuine virtues of animals like Boatswain, highlighting the flaws in human nature. The use of strong language like “vile”, “deceit”, and “hypocrisy” emphasizes Byron’s disdain for human flaws.

Grief and Remembrance: The poem is a personal expression of Byron’s grief over the loss of his beloved dog. He notes that the urn honors his friend, and that he never knew another friend like Boatswain. Byron’s admission that he never knew another friend like Boatswain underscores the depth of his emotions, highlighting the significance of their bond. The use of words like “simple urn” and “friend” emphasizes the sincerity of Byron’s emotions, making the poem a heartfelt tribute to his loyal companion.

Literary Theories and “Epitaph to a Dog” by Lord Byron

Literary Theory	Application to “Epitaph to a Dog”	Critique of References or Poem
Humanism	Focuses on human virtues and potential. The poem contrasts human flaws with the virtues of the dog, suggesting that true nobility lies in qualities like loyalty, honesty, and selflessness.	The poem critiques the often superficial and flawed nature of humanity by idealizing the virtues of the dog. This humanist critique can be seen as a commentary on how humans should aspire to the moral purity and unwavering loyalty seen in animals.
Romanticism	Emphasizes emotion, nature, and the individual’s experience. Byron’s deep emotional connection to his dog reflects Romantic ideals. The poem laments the lack of recognition for the dog’s virtues, contrasting it with the hollow pomp of human memorials.	Byron’s portrayal of his dog aligns with Romantic ideals of celebrating the natural, the sincere, and the emotional over the artificial and insincere. The critique here can focus on how Byron uses Romantic elements to elevate the status of his dog, making a poignant statement on the often misguided values of society.
Animal Studies	Examines the representation of animals and the human-animal relationship. The poem anthropomorphizes the dog, attributing it virtues typically reserved for humans, while simultaneously critiquing human shortcomings.	The poem can be critiqued for both its anthropomorphism and its use of the dog as a moral mirror to reflect human vices. This perspective highlights the complexities and contradictions in human attitudes towards animals, recognizing them as moral beings while also imposing human attributes onto them.

Critical Questions about “Epitaph to a Dog” by Lord Byron

How does Byron use the portrayal of the dog to critique human nature?
Byron’s poem uses the dog’s virtues to cast a harsh light on human flaws, suggesting that animals, particularly dogs, possess qualities that humans often lack. He writes that Boatswain had “Beauty without Vanity, / Strength without Insolence, / Courage without Ferosity” and “all the virtues of Man without his Vices.” This idealization of the dog highlights a purity and nobility absent in humans. Byron intensifies this critique by contrasting the dog’s genuine attributes with the superficiality and corruption he associates with mankind, describing humans as “debas’d by slavery, or corrupt by power” and calling out human qualities as “thy love is lust, thy friendship all a cheat, / Thy tongue hypocrisy, thy heart deceit!” By juxtaposing the dog’s virtues against human vices, Byron underscores a deep disillusionment with humanity.

What does Byron’s epitaph suggest about the nature of loyalty and friendship?
In “Epitaph to a Dog,” Byron presents the dog as the epitome of loyalty and friendship, emphasizing that these qualities are more authentically found in animals than in humans. He states that the dog was “in life the firmest friend, / The first to welcome, foremost to defend,” implying a level of unconditional devotion and protective loyalty rarely seen in human relationships. This portrayal challenges the reader to reflect on the sincerity and depth of human connections. Byron’s own declaration, “I never knew but one—and here he lies,” suggests a profound bond with Boatswain that surpasses any he experienced with people, highlighting the purity and steadfastness of the dog’s friendship in contrast to human relationships, which he implies are fraught with deceit and hypocrisy.
How does the poem reflect Romantic ideals through its treatment of the natural world and emotion?

“Lord Byron’s “Epitaph to a Dog” embodies Romantic ideals by emphasizing emotion and the intrinsic value of the natural world. Romanticism often celebrates the individual’s emotional experience and the purity found in nature, both of which are evident in Byron’s deep affection for his dog. The emotional intensity of lines like “Who labours, fights, lives, breathes for him alone” conveys a heartfelt tribute to the dog’s loyalty and love, underscoring the Romantic valorization of personal sentiment over societal conventions. Furthermore, the poem’s implicit critique of human society in favor of natural, unpretentious virtue aligns with the Romantic disdain for industrialization and artificiality. Byron’s lament that the dog’s virtues go “Unhonour’d falls, unnotic’d all his worth” resonates with the Romantic emphasis on the unrecognized and unadulterated beauty of nature and its creatures.
In what ways does “Epitaph to a Dog” challenge traditional views on the afterlife and morality?
Byron’s poem provocatively challenges traditional views on the afterlife and morality by questioning the exclusivity of heaven for humans. He writes, “Deny’d in heaven the Soul he held on earth: / While man, vain insect! hopes to be forgiven, / And claims himself a sole exclusive heaven.” This critique suggests that the moral superiority often claimed by humans is unfounded and that animals, exemplified by Boatswain, may be more deserving of spiritual reward. Byron’s assertion that humans, “Debas’d by slavery, or corrupt by power,” often fall short of the virtues exhibited by his dog, questions the moral criteria that grant humans an exclusive claim to an afterlife. This inversion of traditional beliefs about morality and the soul underscores Byron’s argument that animals, due to their inherent virtues, may be equally, if not more, deserving of eternal life.

Literary Works Similar to “Epitaph to a Dog” by Lord Byron

“Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard” by Thomas Gray: Both poems contemplate mortality and the fleeting nature of life, contrasting the lives and deaths of the privileged with those of the common or overlooked.
“Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley: Both poems offer a critique of human vanity and the fleeting nature of power and glory, ultimately highlighting the enduring power of nature and time.
“Ode on the Death of a Favourite Cat, Drowned in a Tub of Gold Fishes” by Thomas Gray: Both poems are elegies for beloved animals, celebrating their virtues and mourning their loss.

“The Lamb” by William Blake: While “The Lamb” is more focused on innocence and the divine, both poems explore the relationship between humans and animals, with “Epitaph to a Dog” highlighting the moral superiority of the canine companion.
“To a Mouse” by Robert Burns: Both poems express sympathy for creatures often overlooked or mistreated by humans, emphasizing their vulnerability and highlighting the interconnectedness of all living beings.

Representative Quotations of “Epitaph to a Dog” by Lord Byron

Quote	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Beauty without Vanity, Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferosity, and all the virtues of Man without his Vices.”	Byron describes the virtues of his dog, Boatswain.	Virtue Ethics: Byron highlights Boatswain’s exemplary character, showcasing virtues that are untainted by human flaws.
“When some proud Son of Man returns to Earth, Unknown to Glory but upheld by Birth, The sculptor’s art exhausts the pomp of woe, And storied urns record who rests below:”	Byron contrasts human legacy with animal memory.	Memory and Legacy: Byron notes the disparity in how humans and animals are remembered, highlighting the grandeur of human memorials.
“Oh man! thou feeble tenant of an hour, Debas’d by slavery, or corrupt by power, Who knows thee well, must quit thee with disgust, Degraded mass of animated dust!”	Byron critiques human nature.	Critique of Humanity: Byron scathingly critiques human nature, emphasizing flaws like corruption, slavery, and deceit.
“Thy love is lust, thy friendship all a cheat, Thy tongue hypocrisy, thy heart deceit!”	Byron continues his critique of humanity.	Critique of Humanity: Byron argues that human relationships are false, highlighting the hypocrisy and deceit that underlies human interactions.
“I never knew but one—and here he lies.”	Byron expresses his grief and remembrance of Boatswain.	Grief and Remembrance: Byron’s admission highlights the depth of his emotions, emphasizing the significance of his bond with Boatswain.

“Dog’s Death” by John Updike: A Critical Analysis

“Dog’s Death” by John Updike was initially published in 1965 as a broadside, a single sheet of paper printed on one side.

Introduction: “Dog’s Death” by John Updike

“Dog’s Death” by John Updike was initially published in 1965 as a broadside, a single sheet of paper printed on one side. The poem subsequently appeared in Updike’s 1966 collection, Midpoint and Other Poems. This free verse elegy for Updike’s family dog is characterized by its accessible yet potent language, unsentimental yet poignant tone, and vivid imagery. Thematic explorations of loss, mortality, and the human-animal bond contribute to the poem’s enduring appeal. Critics have lauded “Dog’s Death” for its honesty, emotional depth, and ability to capture the universal experience of grief.

Text: “Dog’s Death” by John Updike

She must have been kicked unseen or brushed by a car.
Too young to know much, she was beginning to learn
To use the newspapers spread on the kitchen floor
And to win, wetting there, the words, “Good dog! Good dog!”

We thought her shy malaise was a shot reaction.
The autopsy disclosed a rupture in her liver.
As we teased her with play, blood was filling her skin
And her heart was learning to lie down forever.

Monday morning, as the children were noisily fed
And sent to school, she crawled beneath the youngest’s bed.
We found her twisted and limp but still alive.
In the car to the vet’s, on my lap, she tried

To bite my hand and died. I stroked her warm fur
And my wife called in a voice imperious with tears.
Though surrounded by love that would have upheld her,
Nevertheless she sank and, stiffening, disappeared.

Back home, we found that in the night her frame,
Drawing near to dissolution, had endured the shame
Of diarrhoea and had dragged across the floor
To a newspaper carelessly left there. Good dog.

Annotations: “Dog’s Death” by John Updike

Line	Annotation
She must have been kicked unseen or brushed by a car.	The poem opens with uncertainty about the cause of the dog’s injury, suggesting a sudden and unexpected event.
Too young to know much, she was beginning to learn	The dog’s youth and innocence are emphasized, highlighting the tragedy of her untimely death.
To use the newspapers spread on the kitchen floor	A mundane detail of domestic life becomes poignant in light of the dog’s impending demise.
And to win, wetting there, the words, “Good dog! Good dog!”	The dog’s eagerness to please and the simple joy of praise are contrasted with the bleak reality of her fate.

We thought her shy malaise was a shot reaction.	The family’s initial misdiagnosis underscores their lack of awareness of the dog’s internal injuries.
The autopsy disclosed a rupture in her liver.	The clinical language of the autopsy report starkly contrasts with the emotional impact of the dog’s death.
As we teased her with play, blood was filling her skin	The juxtaposition of playful interaction with the dog’s deteriorating condition heightens the pathos.
And her heart was learning to lie down forever.	This line foreshadows the dog’s imminent death and introduces the theme of mortality.

Monday morning, as the children were noisily fed	The routine of daily life continues, unaware of the tragedy unfolding.
And sent to school, she crawled beneath the youngest’s bed.	The dog seeks comfort in a familiar place as her life ebbs away.
We found her twisted and limp but still alive.	The dog’s suffering is evident, creating a sense of urgency and helplessness.
In the car to the vet’s, on my lap, she tried	The dog’s final attempt to connect with her owner is both touching and heartbreaking.

To bite my hand and died. I stroked her warm fur	The dog’s death is swift and final, leaving the owner with only the memory of her warmth.
And my wife called in a voice imperious with tears.	The wife’s grief is raw and overwhelming, underscoring the depth of the family’s loss.
Though surrounded by love that would have upheld her,	The futility of love in the face of death is a central theme of the poem.
Nevertheless she sank and, stiffening, disappeared.	The dog’s physical decline mirrors her fading life force.

Back home, we found that in the night her frame,	The discovery of the dog’s final actions adds another layer of grief and guilt.
Drawing near to dissolution, had endured the shame	The dog’s dignity is compromised in her final moments, intensifying the tragedy.
Of diarrhoea and had dragged across the floor	The graphic description of the dog’s bodily functions adds to the sense of degradation and loss.
To a newspaper carelessly left there. Good dog.	The repetition of “Good dog” takes on a new, ironic meaning in the context of the dog’s death.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Dog’s Death” by John Updike

Literary Device	Example from “Dog’s Death”	Explanation
Alliteration	“She sank and, stiffening, disappeared.”	The repetition of the ‘s’ sound emphasizes the finality of the dog’s death.
Allusion	“She must have been kicked unseen or brushed by a car.”	A subtle reference to the hidden dangers in life that can cause harm unexpectedly.
Anaphora	“Good dog! Good dog!”	The repetition of this phrase highlights the dog’s attempt to be good and the owner’s approval.
Assonance	“And her heart was learning to lie down forever.”	The repetition of the ‘a’ sound in “heart” and “learning” creates a mournful tone.
Connotation	“Shy malaise”	The word “malaise” suggests a vague feeling of illness, hinting at something serious without stating it directly.
Consonance	“Crawled beneath the youngest’s bed.”	The repetition of the ‘d’ sound at the end of “crawled” and “bed” adds a sense of finality and closure.
Euphemism	“Her heart was learning to lie down forever.”	A gentle way to say the dog was dying, softening the harsh reality of death.
Hyperbole	“Imperious with tears.”	The use of “imperious” exaggerates the wife’s emotional state, emphasizing her grief.
Imagery	“Stroked her warm fur”	This creates a vivid picture of the tender moment between the owner and the dying dog.
Irony	“Though surrounded by love that would have upheld her, / Nevertheless she sank”	Despite the care and love, the dog still died, highlighting the powerlessness of the family.
Metaphor	“Her heart was learning to lie down forever.”	The heart “learning to lie down” is a metaphor for dying.
Mood	The overall mood is somber and reflective.	The mood is created through the description of the dog’s suffering and the family’s sorrow.
Onomatopoeia	“And sent to school, she crawled beneath the youngest’s bed.”	The word “crawled” mimics the sound and movement of the dog’s actions.
Oxymoron	“Imperious with tears.”	Combining “imperious” (commanding) with “tears” (suggesting sadness) creates a striking contrast.
Personification	“Her heart was learning to lie down forever.”	The heart is given human qualities of learning and lying down, emphasizing the inevitability of death.
Repetition	“Good dog! Good dog!”	Repetition emphasizes the owner’s praise and affection for the dog.
Simile	“As we teased her with play, blood was filling her skin”	The use of “as” compares the playful teasing to the unnoticed internal bleeding, creating a stark contrast.
Symbolism	“The newspapers spread on the kitchen floor”	The newspapers symbolize training, learning, and the dog’s attempts to be good.
Tone	The tone is mournful and reflective.	The tone is conveyed through the choice of words and the focus on the dog’s suffering and death.
Understatement	“She must have been kicked unseen or brushed by a car.”	The casual mention of a serious injury downplays the severity of the dog’s condition.

Themes: “Dog’s Death” by John Updike

Mortality and Death: The poem explores the theme of mortality and death, highlighting the finality and irreversibility of loss. The lines “As we teased her with play, blood was filling her skin / And her heart was learning to lie down forever” (7-8) poignantly describe the dog’s internal suffering, while “In the car to the vet’s, on my lap, she tried / To bite my hand and died” (11-12) convey the moment of death. The image of the dog’s heart “learning to lie down forever” is particularly striking, emphasizing the irreversible nature of death.

Love and Loss: The poem highlights the deep love and affection the family had for the dog, making their loss all the more poignant. The lines “Though surrounded by love that would have upheld her, / Nevertheless she sank and, stiffening, disappeared” (15-16) suggest that even the family’s love was not enough to save the dog. The family’s grief is palpable, with the wife’s “voice imperious with tears” (13) and the speaker’s tender stroking of the dog’s “warm fur” (13) conveying their emotional pain.
Vulnerability and Suffering: The poem shows the dog’s vulnerability and suffering, emphasizing the fragility of life. The opening lines “She must have been kicked unseen or brushed by a car” (1) suggest the dog’s susceptibility to harm, while “Back home, we found that in the night her frame, / Drawing near to dissolution, had endured the shame / Of diarrhea and had dragged across the floor” (17-19) graphically describe the dog’s physical distress. The use of words like “shame” and “dissolution” underscores the dog’s helplessness and the family’s powerlessness to prevent its suffering.
Guilt and Regret: The poem expresses the family’s guilt and regret for not recognizing the dog’s illness earlier, highlighting the tension between their love for the dog and their inability to prevent its death. The lines “We thought her shy malaise was a shot reaction” (5) suggest that the family misjudged the severity of the dog’s condition, while “We found her twisted and limp but still alive” (10) convey their shock and regret at discovering the dog’s true state. The speaker’s introspection and self-reproach are evident in the lines “She must have been kicked unseen or brushed by a car” (1), implying that they should have been more vigilant and protective.

Literary Theories and “Dog’s Death” by John Updike

Literary Theory	Description	Reference from the Poem
Psychoanalytic Theory	Explores the unconscious thoughts, feelings, and desires of the speaker, highlighting the emotional complexity of the poem.	“We thought her shy malaise was a shot reaction” (5) – The speaker’s unconscious guilt and regret are revealed in this line, as they realize they misjudged the dog’s condition.
Symbolism	Analyzes the use of symbols in the poem to convey deeper meanings, such as the dog representing innocence, love, and mortality.	“Newspapers spread on the kitchen floor” (3) – The newspapers symbolize the domestic routine and ordinary life that is disrupted by the dog’s death.
Existentialism	Examines the poem’s themes of mortality, suffering, and the absurdity of life, highlighting the speaker’s existential crisis.	“As we teased her with play, blood was filling her skin / And her heart was learning to lie down forever” (7-8) – These lines emphasize the existential reality of death and the fragility of life.

Critical Questions about “Dog’s Death” by John Updike

How does Updike portray the complex emotions of grief and loss in the poem?
Updike’s portrayal of grief is raw and unvarnished. The speaker’s wife calls “in a voice imperious with tears,” expressing the rawness of her sorrow. The speaker himself strokes the dog’s “warm fur” as she dies, highlighting the physicality of loss. The discovery of the dog’s final, degrading act of dragging herself to the newspaper adds another layer of sorrow and guilt. The poem’s final line, “Good dog,” repeated ironically, encapsulates the complex mix of love, loss, and regret that accompanies the death of a beloved pet.
What role does imagery play in conveying the poem’s themes?

Vivid imagery is central to the poem’s emotional power. The dog’s “twisted and limp” body, her attempt to “bite my hand and died,” and the graphic description of her final moments create a visceral sense of the dog’s suffering and the family’s pain. The contrast between the dog’s “warm fur” and her “stiffening” body underscores the finality of death. The mundane image of the newspaper, initially associated with the dog’s training, takes on a tragic significance in the poem’s closing lines.
How does the poem explore the relationship between humans and animals?
“Dog’s Death” delves into the deep bond between humans and their animal companions. The dog’s eagerness to please, her love for the family, and her final attempt to connect with the speaker in the car all demonstrate the depth of this relationship. The poem also highlights the power imbalance inherent in this bond, as the humans ultimately fail to protect the dog from harm. The final scene, where the dog seeks out the newspaper in her last moments, suggests a poignant attempt to maintain her role in the family even in death.

What is the significance of the poem’s structure and language?
The poem’s free verse structure mirrors the unpredictable and chaotic nature of death. The lack of formal rhyme or meter allows for a more conversational tone, enhancing the poem’s emotional authenticity. Updike’s use of simple, direct language, combined with vivid imagery, makes the poem accessible yet profound. The repetition of the phrase “Good dog” throughout the poem creates a sense of rhythm and emphasis, while its final, ironic use adds a layer of complexity to the poem’s meaning.

Topics, Questions and Thesis Statement about “Dog’s Death” by John Updike

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Theme of Mortality and Loss	How does John Updike convey the inevitability of death in “Dog’s Death”?	Updike uses the progression of the dog’s suffering and the family’s helplessness to underscore the inevitability of mortality and the profound impact of loss.
Emotional Impact of the Narrative	What literary devices does Updike use to evoke an emotional response from the reader?	Updike employs imagery, juxtaposition, and repetition to evoke a deep emotional response, highlighting the family’s grief and the dog’s suffering.
Role of Domestic Life in the Poem	How does the setting of domestic life contrast with the events of the poem?	The contrast between the mundane aspects of domestic life and the dog’s tragic death emphasizes the intrusion of unexpected tragedy into everyday existence.
Human-Animal Bond	How is the bond between the family and the dog depicted in the poem?	The bond between the family and the dog is depicted through tender interactions and the family’s deep grief, illustrating the profound emotional connections humans form with their pets.

Literary Works Similar to “Dog’s Death” by John Updike

“The Death of the Hired Man” by Robert Frost: This poem explores themes of mortality and the passage of time, much like “Dog’s Death.” It focuses on the death of a familiar figure in a domestic setting, evoking a deep sense of loss and reflection.

“What the Dog Perhaps Hears” by Lisel Mueller: Lisel Mueller’s poem invites us to ponder the sounds beyond human perception, imagining what the world might be like through the ears of a dog.
“The House Dog’s Grave (Haig, an English Bulldog)” by Robinson Jeffers: Jeffers’ poem is an elegy for a pet dog, highlighting the loyalty and companionship shared between the dog and its owner, echoing the themes of love and loss found in “Dog’s Death.”
“Lament for a Dead Cow” by Francis Carey Slater: Although it focuses on a cow, this poem expresses grief over the death of an animal that played a significant role in daily life, paralleling the sorrow and sense of loss depicted in Updike’s poem.

“A Dog Has Died” by Pablo Neruda: Neruda’s poem reflects on the death of his dog with a blend of melancholy and affection, emphasizing the unique bond between the poet and his pet, akin to the emotional depth in “Dog’s Death.”

Representative Quotations from “Dog’s Death” by John Updike

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“She must have been kicked unseen or brushed by a car.”	The opening line, setting the tone for the poem	Existentialism: Highlights the absurdity and uncertainty of life, emphasizing the dog’s vulnerability.
“To use the newspapers spread on the kitchen floor / And to win, wetting there, the words, ‘Good dog! Good dog!'”	Describes the dog’s learning process and interaction with the family	Symbolism: The newspapers symbolize domestic routine, and the words “Good dog!” represent the family’s love and approval.
“As we teased her with play, blood was filling her skin / And her heart was learning to lie down forever”	Reveals the dog’s internal suffering and impending death	Psychoanalytic Theory: Exposes the speaker’s unconscious guilt and regret for not recognizing the dog’s condition earlier.
“Though surrounded by love that would have upheld her, / Nevertheless she sank and, stiffening, disappeared”	Emphasizes the family’s love and the dog’s inevitable death	Existentialism: Highlights the existential reality of death, emphasizing the limits of human love and control.
“Good dog.”	The final line, a eulogy to the deceased dog	Symbolism: The phrase “Good dog” symbolizes the family’s enduring love and memory of the dog, transcending death.

Day: June 12, 2024