“The Power of the Dog” by Rudyard Kipling: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Power of the Dog” by Rudyard Kipling

“The Power of the Dog” by Rudyard Kipling, first appeared in 1902 in the collection Actions and Reactions, explores the profound bond between humans and dogs, highlighting the unconditional love and devotion dogs offer. Kipling’s poignant verses delve into the bittersweet reality of this relationship, acknowledging the inevitable sorrow that comes with the loss of a beloved pet. The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to resonate with readers on a deeply emotional level, capturing the universal experience of grief and the enduring power of a dog’s love.

Text: “The Power of the Dog” by Rudyard Kipling

There is sorrow enough in the natural way
From men and women to fill our day;
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,
Why do we always arrange for more?
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.

Buy a pup and your money will buy
Love unflinching that cannot lie—
Perfect passion and worship fed
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.

When the fourteen years which Nature permits
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,
And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,
Then you will find—it’s your own affair—
But… you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.

When the body that lived at your single will,
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!).
When the spirit that answered your every mood
Is gone—wherever it goes—for good,
You will discover how much you care,
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.

We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way,
When it comes to burying Christian clay.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,
At compound interest of cent per cent.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,
That the longer we’ve kept ’em, the more do we grieve:
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,
A short-time loan is as bad as a long—
So why in—Heaven (before we are there)
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?

Annotations: “The Power of the Dog” by Rudyard Kipling

Line Number	Line	Annotation
1	There is sorrow enough in the natural way	Introduces the theme of inevitable human sorrow.
2	From men and women to fill our day;	Emphasizes the abundance of sorrow in human life.
3	And when we are certain of sorrow in store,	Suggests that humans often anticipate and seek out additional sorrow.
4	Why do we always arrange for more?	Questions the human tendency to invite suffering.
5	Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware	Addresses the audience directly, urging caution.
6	Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.	Introduces the central theme of the poem: the intense emotional bond with a dog and the subsequent heartbreak of loss.
7	Buy a pup and your money will buy	Suggests that a dog’s love can be acquired through monetary means.
8	Love unflinching that cannot lie—	Highlights the unwavering and genuine nature of a dog’s love.
9	Perfect passion and worship fed	Describes the intensity and devotion of a dog’s love.
10	By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.	Emphasizes the unconditional nature of a dog’s love, regardless of treatment.
11	Nevertheless it is hardly fair	Introduces a counterargument to the previous lines, suggesting that the emotional investment in a dog may not be balanced.
12	To risk your heart for a dog to tear.	Reiterates the central theme of the poem: the emotional risk associated with loving a dog.
13	When the fourteen years which Nature permits	References the limited lifespan of a dog.
14	Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,	Lists potential health problems that can afflict dogs.
15	And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs	Suggests the inevitable end of a dog’s life.
16	To lethal chambers or loaded guns,	Describes the euthanasia options for dogs.
17	Then you will find—it’s your own affair—	Suggests that the consequences of loving a dog are ultimately personal.
18	But… you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.	Reinforces the central theme of the poem.
19	When the body that lived at your single will,	Describes the physical presence of the dog.
20	With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!).	Evokes the emotional impact of losing a dog.
21	When the spirit that answered your every mood	References the intangible connection between human and dog.
22	Is gone—wherever it goes—for good,	Emphasizes the finality of death.
23	You will discover how much you care,	Suggests that loss reveals the depth of one’s love.
24	And will give your heart to a dog to tear.	Reiterates the central theme of the poem.
25	We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way,	Recalls the opening lines of the poem.
26	When it comes to burying Christian clay.	References the sorrow associated with human death.
27	Our loves are not given, but only lent,	Suggests that human relationships are temporary.
28	At compound interest of cent per cent.	Implies that emotional attachments can be painful.
29	Though it is not always the case, I believe,	Introduces a qualification to the previous statement.
30	That the longer we’ve kept ’em, the more do we grieve:	Suggests that grief may be proportional to the duration of a relationship.
31	For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,	Metaphorically equates love to a debt that must be repaid.
32	A short-time loan is as bad as a long—	Implies that the duration of a relationship doesn’t necessarily affect the intensity of grief.
33	So why in—Heaven (before we are there)	Questions the wisdom of forming deep emotional attachments.
34	Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?	Final reiteration of the poem’s central theme.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “The Power of the Dog” by Rudyard Kipling

Device	Definition	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.	“sorrow enough in the natural way”	The repetition of the “s” sound emphasizes the theme of sorrow.
Allusion	A reference to another work, event, or figure.	“burying Christian clay”	Refers to the burial of a human body, drawing a contrast between human and animal loss.
Anaphora	Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of lines.	“When the…”	Repetition of “When” at the beginning of lines emphasizes the inevitable sorrow that comes with loss.
Assonance	Repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words.	“love unflinching that cannot lie”	The repetition of the “u” sound creates a rhythmic quality, enhancing the emotional impact.
Consonance	Repetition of consonant sounds within words or at the end.	“compound interest of cent per cent”	The repetition of the “t” sound ties the words together, reinforcing the concept of accumulating sorrow.
Enjambment	Continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond a line.	“For, when debts are payable, right or wrong, / A short-time loan is as bad as a long—”	The thought flows over multiple lines, reflecting the ongoing nature of grief and sorrow.
Hyperbole	Exaggeration for emphasis or effect.	“Perfect passion and worship fed”	Exaggerates the devotion of a dog to highlight the deep emotional connection between humans and their pets.
Imagery	Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.	“With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!).”	Creates a vivid image of the silent, lifeless dog, evoking a sense of loss and sorrow.
Irony	A contrast between expectation and reality.	“Nevertheless it is hardly fair / To risk your heart for a dog to tear.”	The irony lies in the fact that something as loving as a dog can bring such profound sorrow.
Metaphor	A comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”	“Our loves are not given, but only lent”	Compares love to a loan, suggesting that it is temporary and comes with a cost.
Onomatopoeia	A word that imitates the sound it represents.	“whimper of welcome”	“Whimper” mimics the sound of a dog’s soft cry, enhancing the emotional tone.
Oxymoron	A combination of contradictory terms.	“Perfect passion”	The idea of “perfect” combined with the more chaotic nature of “passion” highlights the intensity and complexity of the love between a human and a dog.
Paradox	A statement that appears self-contradictory but reveals a truth.	“A short-time loan is as bad as a long”	Suggests that whether love is brief or long-lasting, the pain of loss is equally significant.
Personification	Attributing human qualities to non-human entities.	“The spirit that answered your every mood”	Describes the dog as having a “spirit” that responds to human emotions, giving the dog human-like qualities.
Repetition	Repeating words or phrases for emphasis.	“To a dog to tear”	The phrase is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the central theme of inevitable heartbreak.
Rhetorical Question	A question asked for effect, not requiring an answer.	“Why do we always arrange for more?”	Used to provoke thought about the reasons humans expose themselves to additional sorrow.
Simile	A comparison between two things using “like” or “as.”	“as bad as a long”	Compares the emotional pain of short and long-term love, suggesting both can be equally painful.
Symbolism	Using symbols to represent ideas or qualities.	“loaded guns”	Symbolizes the finality of death and the extreme measures sometimes taken when dealing with the loss of a pet.
Tone	The attitude of the speaker towards the subject.	Reflective, mournful	The tone of the poem reflects a deep sorrow and contemplation on the pain of loving and losing a pet.
Understatement	Deliberately downplaying a situation for effect.	“It’s your own affair”	Minimizes the deep personal impact of losing a pet, which is actually a significant emotional event, thereby highlighting the contrast between the words and reality.

Themes: “The Power of the Dog” by Rudyard Kipling

1. The Unconditional Love of Dogs: Kipling beautifully portrays the unwavering and devoted love that dogs offer their human companions. Despite the treatment they receive, dogs remain steadfast in their affection. This theme is evident in lines such as “Perfect passion and worship fed / By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.”
2. The Inevitability of Loss and Grief: The poem explores the profound sorrow that accompanies the loss of a beloved pet. Kipling emphasizes the emotional devastation that follows, highlighting the emptiness and despair that can result from such a loss. Lines like “When the spirit that answered your every mood / Is gone—wherever it goes—for good” capture the finality of grief.
3. The Emotional Risk of Deep Attachment: Kipling warns readers about the emotional vulnerability associated with forming deep bonds with animals. He suggests that such attachments can lead to intense suffering when the inevitable loss occurs. Lines such as “It is hardly fair / To risk your heart for a dog to tear” convey this message.
4. The Question of Human-Animal Relationships: The poem raises questions about the nature of human-animal relationships and the ethical implications of keeping pets. Kipling explores the complexities of these relationships, suggesting that while they can bring great joy, they also involve significant emotional risks. Lines like “Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?” invite readers to contemplate these issues.

Literary Theories and “The Power of the Dog” by Rudyard Kipling

Literary Theory	Explanation	References from the Poem
Psychoanalytic Theory	This theory focuses on exploring the psychological motivations of characters, often drawing on Freudian concepts like the unconscious, desires, and anxieties.	The poem explores the deep emotional conflict and anxiety of the speaker, who understands the inevitable pain (“Nevertheless it is hardly fair / To risk your heart for a dog to tear.”) and the subsequent grief that comes from loving a pet (“When the spirit that answered your every mood / Is gone—wherever it goes—for good”). This reflects the internal struggle and repressed fears associated with attachment and loss.
Existentialism	Existentialist theory emphasizes individual existence, freedom, and choice. It often explores themes of meaning, isolation, and the inevitability of death.	The poem grapples with the meaning of life and love in the face of inevitable death, particularly in the lines “Our loves are not given, but only lent,” which suggests the temporary nature of love and the unavoidable sorrow that follows. The speaker’s contemplation of whether to give one’s heart to a dog despite knowing the pain it will cause (“So why in—Heaven (before we are there) / Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?”) reflects an existential questioning of life’s choices.
Human-Animal Studies	This interdisciplinary theory examines the relationships between humans and animals, exploring themes of companionship, affection, and the ethical implications of human-animal interactions.	The poem centers on the complex relationship between humans and their dogs, exploring both the deep affection (“Buy a pup and your money will buy / Love unflinching that cannot lie”) and the profound grief that comes with the loss of a pet (“When the body that lived at your single will, / With its whimper of welcome, is stilled”). The poem raises questions about the ethics of forming such deep bonds with animals, knowing the pain that will inevitably follow.

Critical Questions about “The Power of the Dog” by Rudyard Kipling

• What is the significance of the dog’s fourteen-year lifespan mentioned in the poem?
• his reference suggests that the poem is addressing a specific historical context where the average lifespan of dogs was around fourteen years. It also highlights the temporal nature of the human-animal bond, emphasizing the inevitability of loss.
• How does the poem explore the concept of unconditional love, particularly in the context of a human-animal relationship?
• Kipling presents the dog’s love as unwavering and selfless, regardless of the treatment it receives. This raises questions about the nature of love and whether it can truly be unconditional, especially in relationships with beings of different species.
• What is the role of the narrator in the poem, and how does their perspective influence the overall message?
• The narrator seems to be speaking from personal experience, offering advice and caution to the reader. This first-person perspective adds a layer of authenticity and allows the reader to connect with the narrator’s emotions and experiences.
• How does the poem’s portrayal of grief and loss compare to traditional depictions of human sorrow?
• While the poem acknowledges the pain of human loss, it also emphasizes the unique nature of grief when it comes to the loss of a pet. The poem suggests that the emotional intensity of such a loss can be particularly profound due to the unconditional nature of the bond.

Literary Works Similar to “The Power of the Dog” by Rudyard Kipling

1. “To Flush, My Dog” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning: Explores the deep bond between a human and their dog, capturing the love and eventual sorrow that comes with loss.
2. “A Dog Has Died” by Pablo Neruda: Reflects on the death of a beloved dog, expressing the profound grief and emptiness left behind by the loss of a loyal companion.
3. “The House Dog’s Grave” by Robinson Jeffers: Examines the unwavering loyalty and love between a dog and its owner, and the lasting impact of the dog’s death on the human.
4. “Epitaph to a Dog” by Lord Byron: Commemorates the steadfast loyalty of a dog, expressing deep sorrow over the loss of a beloved pet.
5. “The Naming of Cats” by T.S. Eliot: Though more whimsical, this poem touches on the unique relationship between humans and their pets, emphasizing the individuality and connection between them.

Suggested Readings: “The Power of the Dog” by Rudyard Kipling

1. KARLIN, DANIEL. “Actions and Reactions: Kipling’s Edwardian Summer.” In Time’s Eye: Essays on Rudyard Kipling, edited by JAN MONTEFIORE, Manchester University Press, 2013, pp. 111–28. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv6wgn8b.12. Accessed 31 Aug. 2024.
2. Kipling, Rudyard. The power of the dog. JC Marshall, 2017.
3. https://poets.org/poem/power-dog

Representative Quotations of “The Power of the Dog” by Rudyard Kipling

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“There is sorrow enough in the natural way”	Reflects on the inevitable sorrows of life, suggesting that additional sorrow should be avoided.	Existentialism – Highlights the inevitability of suffering in life.
“Why do we always arrange for more?”	Questions why humans knowingly set themselves up for more sorrow by forming deep emotional attachments.	Psychoanalytic Theory – Examines the unconscious drive to repeat experiences of pain.
“Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware / Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.”	A caution against forming emotional bonds with pets, due to the pain of loss.	Human-Animal Studies – Critiques the ethical implications of deep human-animal bonds.
“Love unflinching that cannot lie—”	Describes the pure, unwavering love that a dog offers, free from deceit.	Psychoanalytic Theory – Emphasizes the idealization of love and loyalty.
“Nevertheless it is hardly fair / To risk your heart for a dog to tear.”	Acknowledges the unfairness of the pain that comes with loving a dog.	Existentialism – Reflects on the absurdity and unfairness of life’s experiences.
“When the spirit that answered your every mood / Is gone—wherever it goes—for good,”	Depicts the finality of death and the deep emotional void left behind.	Human-Animal Studies – Highlights the profound connection and loss felt in human-animal relationships.