“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 The Five Nations (1903), a collection of poems largely reflecting Kipling’s imperialist views and experiences. This particular poem, however, stands out for its emotional depth and introspective tone, exploring the complexities of love, loyalty, and loss through the relationship between humans and their canine companions. Kipling delves into the bittersweet nature of owning a dog, emphasizing the profound joy they bring alongside the inevitable sorrow that comes with their death. The poem ultimately reflects on the vulnerability and emotional toll that love, even for an animal, can have on the human heart.

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(s)	Annotation
There is sorrow enough in the natural way	The speaker begins by stating that life already has plenty of sorrow and hardship, especially in human relationships, as part of the natural course of things.
From men and women to fill our day;	Human interactions and relationships bring enough sorrow to occupy us daily, implying that sorrow from others is inevitable in life.
And when we are certain of sorrow in store,	The speaker acknowledges that future sorrow is a certainty in life, suggesting that pain and loss are unavoidable.
Why do we always arrange for more?	This rhetorical question asks why humans willingly take on additional sorrow by forming emotional attachments to things like pets, when sorrow is already guaranteed in other aspects of life.
Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware	The speaker addresses the reader directly, warning them to be cautious. The tone is both affectionate (by using “Brothers and Sisters”) and serious.
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.	The phrase “give your heart to a dog to tear” means forming a deep emotional bond with a dog, which will ultimately lead to heartbreak, as the dog will inevitably die, causing great sorrow to its owner.
Buy a pup and your money will buy	The speaker refers to the act of buying a puppy, implying that when you do so, you’re not just purchasing a dog but also the emotional connection that comes with it.
Love unflinching that cannot lie—	Dogs offer unwavering, unconditional love, one that is pure and honest, unlike the complex and sometimes deceptive love found in human relationships.
Perfect passion and worship fed	The dog’s loyalty and affection for its owner are described as “perfect passion” and “worship,” highlighting the dog’s strong emotional attachment and obedience.
By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.	This contrasts the dog’s reaction to both cruelty (“kick in the ribs”) and kindness (“pat on the head”). Regardless of how it’s treated, the dog remains loyal and loving, demonstrating its unconditional love.
Nevertheless it is hardly fair	The speaker points out the inherent unfairness in allowing oneself to love something that will eventually cause pain, despite the joy that comes with it.
To risk your heart for a dog to tear.	Repeated from earlier, the line underscores the emotional risk in loving a dog because, eventually, this love will lead to heartbreak when the dog dies.
When the fourteen years which Nature permits	The average lifespan of a dog is referenced here (“fourteen years”), reminding the reader that dogs live for a short period compared to humans.
Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits,	The poem reflects on the painful reality of a dog’s decline in health, often involving serious ailments like asthma, tumors, or seizures (“fits”), as they approach the end of their life.
And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs	The veterinarian often has no choice but to recommend euthanasia as a final, compassionate act to relieve the dog’s suffering when medical options are exhausted.
To lethal chambers or loaded guns,	These lines refer to the difficult choice of euthanizing the dog, either through “lethal chambers” (euthanasia at the vet) or “loaded guns” (possibly euthanasia at home, in rural settings).
Then you will find—it’s your own affair—	The speaker notes that ultimately, the decision to take on the sorrow of losing a dog is a personal one, and people must decide for themselves whether to risk their emotions.
But… you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.	Repeated again, this line reiterates the heartbreak that inevitably comes with loving a dog, as it will pass away, leaving the owner heartbroken.
When the body that lived at your single will,	The speaker reflects on how a dog’s life is entirely dependent on its owner, living for their commands and care.
With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!).	The line describes the death of the dog, which used to greet its owner with excitement (a “whimper of welcome”), but is now lifeless, emphasizing the emotional weight of the loss.
When the spirit that answered your every mood	The dog is portrayed as being emotionally attuned to its owner’s feelings, responding to them unconditionally and loyally.
Is gone—wherever it goes—for good,	The speaker reflects on the uncertainty of what happens to the dog’s soul after death, but the finality of its departure is clear (“gone for good”).
You will discover how much you care,	Only after the dog’s death does the depth of the owner’s attachment and love become fully evident, as the loss is felt acutely.
And will give your heart to a dog to tear.	This repetition reinforces the poem’s theme of the inevitable sorrow that comes from loving a dog and losing it.
We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way,	Repeated from earlier, this line reiterates that life naturally contains enough grief without the additional pain of losing a beloved pet.
When it comes to burying Christian clay.	“Christian clay” refers to human bodies (symbolically “clay”) being buried after death, linking the inevitable sorrow of human loss with the sorrow of losing a pet.
Our loves are not given, but only lent,	This line suggests that the love we feel for others, including pets, is temporary and fleeting, as life itself is temporary, and love is something we borrow rather than possess permanently.
At compound interest of cent per cent.	The phrase “compound interest” symbolizes that the emotional return on love is immense, but so is the emotional cost or sorrow when that love is lost.
Though it is not always the case, I believe,	The speaker acknowledges that the level of grief felt at a loss may not always correspond directly to the length of time spent with the loved one or pet.
That the longer we’ve kept ’em, the more do we grieve:	While it’s often true that the longer we have a pet, the greater the grief upon their death, the speaker suggests that this is not a universal rule.
For, when debts are payable, right or wrong,	The metaphor of debts refers to emotional debts—regardless of the circumstances (right or wrong), we must eventually pay the price of loss after experiencing love.
A short-time loan is as bad as a long—	This line compares brief emotional bonds (short-time loans) with long ones, stating that the sorrow of loss is painful regardless of the length of the attachment.
So why in—Heaven (before we are there)	The speaker questions why humans choose to form bonds that will lead to sorrow even before they reach the ultimate peace of Heaven, which is often associated with relief from earthly pain.
Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?	The final rhetorical question underscores the emotional risks of loving a dog, as the inevitable result is the heartbreak of loss, yet humans continue to do so despite the knowledge of future sorrow.

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

Literary/Poetic Device	Example	Explanation
Anaphora	“When the body that lived at your single will,” / “When the spirit that answered your every mood” / “When the fourteen years which Nature permits”	The repetition of “When” at the beginning of successive lines highlights the inevitability of the dog’s death and the associated grief, creating a rhythmic pattern of reflection.
Apostrophe	“Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware”	The speaker directly addresses the audience (“Brothers and Sisters”) as if they were present, making the message more intimate and urgent.
Assonance	“Love unflinching that cannot lie”	The repetition of the vowel sound “u” in “unflinching” and “cannot” creates a harmonious flow, drawing attention to the purity of a dog’s love.
Caesura	“Then you will find—it’s your own affair—”	The dash creates a natural pause in the middle of the line, emphasizing the personal nature of the decision to love a dog despite the sorrow it brings.
Consonance	“Perfect passion and worship fed”	The repetition of the “p” and “s” sounds in “passion” and “worship” creates a subtle musicality in the line, enhancing its emotional impact.
End-stopping	“When debts are payable, right or wrong,”	Each line ends with a punctuation mark (comma), causing a pause and reinforcing the reflection on life’s emotional debts and losses.
Enjambment	“Buy a pup and your money will buy / Love unflinching”	The sentence continues across the line break, creating a sense of flow and continuity between the action of buying a dog and the emotional consequences.
Euphemism	“Lethal chambers or loaded guns”	The speaker uses a euphemism (“lethal chambers”) to soften the harsh reality of euthanasia, making the idea of putting a dog down less direct and more bearable.
Hyperbole	“Love unflinching that cannot lie”	The description of a dog’s love as “unflinching” and incapable of lying is an exaggeration meant to emphasize the absolute loyalty and honesty of canine affection.
Imagery	“A kick in the ribs or a pat on the head”	The contrasting images of cruelty and kindness help to evoke the different ways a dog is treated, highlighting its unwavering loyalty despite how it’s handled.
Irony	“So why in—Heaven (before we are there)”	There’s irony in the fact that, despite knowing the inevitable sorrow a dog will bring, humans still choose to love them. This contrast between knowledge and action is ironic.
Metaphor	“Our loves are not given, but only lent”	Love is metaphorically described as something “lent” rather than given permanently, suggesting the transient nature of all relationships, including those with dogs.
Metonymy	“Christian clay”	“Christian clay” is used as a metonym for human bodies, emphasizing the physicality and mortality of humans in comparison to the spiritual aspect of life and death.
Paradox	“A short-time loan is as bad as a long”	This statement is paradoxical because it suggests that both short-term and long-term emotional bonds are equally painful when they come to an end.
Personification	“Love unflinching”	Love is personified as “unflinching,” giving it human-like qualities to emphasize the unwavering nature of a dog’s affection.
Rhetorical Question	“Why do we always arrange for more?”	This rhetorical question challenges the reader to reflect on why humans willingly take on more sorrow, particularly through relationships with dogs.
Rhyme Scheme	“Buy a pup and your money will buy / Love unflinching that cannot lie”	The poem follows a loose rhyme scheme, with this couplet using “buy” and “lie” to create a sense of closure in the lines.
Simile	“Perfect passion and worship fed / By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head”	The simile compares the worship-like love a dog gives to the reaction of either kindness or cruelty, highlighting the dog’s unconditional love.
Symbolism	“Dog”	The dog in the poem symbolizes unconditional love and loyalty, as well as the emotional risks and eventual heartbreak that come with loving deeply.

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

• Unconditional Love and Loyalty
• A central theme in the poem is the unconditional love and loyalty that dogs provide. Kipling emphasizes how dogs love their owners with a devotion that is unwavering and pure. This is captured in lines such as “Love unflinching that cannot lie” and “Perfect passion and worship fed by a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.” These lines highlight the selfless and forgiving nature of a dog’s affection, which persists regardless of how they are treated. The dog’s love is portrayed as simple yet profound, in contrast to the more complicated love humans experience.
• Inevitability of Loss and Grief
• The poem is deeply concerned with the inevitability of loss and the grief that follows the death of a beloved dog. Kipling reminds the reader that life comes with sorrow, and the death of a dog is no exception. The lines “When the fourteen years which Nature permits are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits” and “But… you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear” convey the reality that dogs live shorter lives than humans, and their loss is an inevitable source of pain. The poem captures the emotional burden of loving a creature that is destined to die within a relatively short span.
• Emotional Risk in Loving
• Kipling explores the emotional risk that comes with forming attachments, particularly with dogs. The repeated refrain, “Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware of giving your heart to a dog to tear,” serves as a cautionary warning to those who might not realize the depth of sorrow they are inviting by loving a dog. While dogs offer pure love, the owner is ultimately left with heartbreak when they pass away. This theme underscores the paradox of love: while it brings joy, it also exposes one to deep emotional pain.
• The Transience of Life and Love
• The poem reflects on the transient nature of all life and love, not just between humans but also between humans and animals. The line “Our loves are not given, but only lent” suggests that love is temporary and fleeting, much like life itself. Kipling uses the metaphor of a “short-time loan” to convey that emotional bonds, whether with a dog or a person, are not permanent and will inevitably end, bringing sorrow. This theme of impermanence echoes throughout the poem, emphasizing that the joy of love is always accompanied by the shadow of loss.

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

Literary Theory	Application to “The Power of the Dog”	References from the Poem
Psychoanalytic Theory	The poem can be viewed through the lens of unconscious desires and internal conflicts. The speaker wrestles with the deep human desire for love and attachment, despite the knowledge that it will lead to pain and loss.	“Why do we always arrange for more?” suggests an unconscious compulsion to seek love, despite the inevitable sorrow. “You’ve given your heart to a dog to tear” symbolizes the fear of vulnerability and heartbreak.
Existentialism	The poem contemplates the existential theme of finding meaning in life and relationships despite the certainty of death and suffering. It raises questions about whether love is worth the pain of loss and the fleeting nature of life.	“Our loves are not given, but only lent” reflects the existential idea that life and relationships are temporary, and “So why in—Heaven (before we are there) / Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?” reflects existential dilemma.
Ecocriticism	The poem explores the human-animal relationship, focusing on the emotional connection between humans and dogs. It also raises questions about the ethical implications of control and ownership over animals.	“Love unflinching that cannot lie— / Perfect passion and worship” highlights the emotional bond between humans and dogs. “The body that lived at your single will” reflects human control over animals in the natural world.

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

• What does the poem suggest about the emotional risks of love, particularly with animals?
• The poem highlights the emotional risks inherent in forming attachments, especially with animals, like dogs. Kipling emphasizes the inevitability of loss and the deep sorrow that follows the death of a beloved pet. The line “Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware / Of giving your heart to a dog to tear” serves as a warning to the reader, suggesting that while the love a dog offers is pure and unconditional, it comes at a high emotional cost. The refrain “you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear” reinforces the idea that investing emotionally in a dog leads to heartbreak, as dogs live shorter lives than humans, making the eventual grief unavoidable. The poem reflects on the paradox that love, while deeply fulfilling, also exposes the heart to pain.
• How does Kipling portray the concept of loyalty in the poem?
• Kipling portrays loyalty as a defining characteristic of the dog, and it is contrasted with the complexity of human relationships. The dog’s love is described as “Love unflinching that cannot lie” and “Perfect passion and worship fed / By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head.” These lines underscore the idea that a dog’s loyalty is unwavering, regardless of how it is treated by its owner. Unlike human relationships, which can be fraught with deception or inconsistency, the dog’s love is portrayed as pure, honest, and unfaltering. This portrayal elevates the emotional bond between humans and dogs, but it also highlights the pain that accompanies the inevitable loss of such a loyal companion.
• What does the poem suggest about the inevitability of death and how humans cope with it?
• The poem meditates on the inevitability of death, particularly in the context of human-animal relationships, and explores how humans grapple with this reality. Kipling repeatedly emphasizes that death is a natural part of life, and the death of a dog is no exception. The lines “When the fourteen years which Nature permits / Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits” remind readers that dogs live shorter lives, and their health will inevitably decline. The mention of “lethal chambers or loaded guns” alludes to the difficult choices humans must make when their pets are suffering, further reinforcing the painful reality of death. The poem suggests that while humans are aware of the inevitability of loss, they still choose to love, accepting the sorrow that will follow.
• How does Kipling explore the theme of love as a temporary, fleeting experience in the poem?
• Kipling reflects on love as a temporary and fleeting experience, whether it is love between humans or between humans and animals. The line “Our loves are not given, but only lent” suggests that love is transient, something borrowed for a short period rather than possessed permanently. This metaphor highlights the temporary nature of all emotional bonds, including those with pets. Additionally, the speaker questions the wisdom of giving one’s heart to a dog, knowing that the attachment will lead to inevitable sorrow, as reflected in the line “So why in—Heaven (before we are there) / Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?” The poem suggests that while love is fulfilling, it is always accompanied by the shadow of loss, making it a bittersweet and temporary experience.

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

1. “To Flush, My Dog” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
   Similar in its exploration of the deep bond between a person and their dog, this poem expresses the devotion and affection shared with a beloved pet.
2. “A Dog Has Died” by Pablo Neruda
   Neruda reflects on the death of his dog, similar to Kipling’s focus on the inevitability of loss and the grief that follows the passing of a cherished companion.
3. “Epitaph to a Dog” by Lord Byron
   Like Kipling, Byron commemorates the loyalty and unconditional love of a dog, contrasting it with the flaws found in human relationships.
4. “The House Dog’s Grave” by Robinson Jeffers
   This poem expresses grief over the death of a dog, echoing Kipling’s theme of the emotional cost of loving an animal that will inevitably die.
5. “Old Dog” by Mary Oliver
   Similar to Kipling, Oliver explores the themes of aging, companionship, and the inevitable sorrow of losing a loyal dog as they grow old.

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

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware / Of giving your heart to a dog to tear.”	The speaker warns the reader about the emotional pain that comes with loving a dog, as their eventual death leads to heartbreak.	Psychoanalytic Theory: Reflects the internal conflict between the desire for love and the fear of loss, highlighting emotional vulnerability.
“Love unflinching that cannot lie”	Describes the unconditional and honest love of a dog, in contrast to the complexities of human relationships.	Ecocriticism: Examines the purity of the bond between humans and animals, suggesting that the natural world offers simpler, more authentic forms of love.
“When the fourteen years which Nature permits / Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits”	Reflects on the finite lifespan of a dog and the physical decline that comes with aging.	Existentialism: Highlights the inevitability of death and the transient nature of life, reflecting on how humans cope with the certainty of loss.
“A short-time loan is as bad as a long—”	Suggests that both brief and long-term emotional bonds cause sorrow when they end, as the pain of loss is inevitable in any relationship.	Psychoanalytic Theory: Focuses on the human psyche’s tendency to grieve deeply, regardless of the duration of the emotional bond, revealing unconscious fears.
“Our loves are not given, but only lent”	The speaker reflects on the temporary nature of love, comparing it to something that is “lent” rather than given permanently.	Existentialism: Emphasizes the impermanence of love and life, suggesting that all emotional bonds are temporary and subject to the inevitability of death.
“Lethal chambers or loaded guns”	Describes the difficult decisions owners face when a dog is suffering, often leading to euthanasia as a compassionate end.	Ethical Criticism: Raises ethical questions about human control over animals and the moral dilemmas surrounding euthanasia, especially in relation to pets.
“Then you will find—it’s your own affair— / But… you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear.”	The speaker reiterates that the sorrow of loving a dog is a personal choice, as the owner willingly accepts the emotional risk of loss.	Psychoanalytic Theory: Reflects the conscious decision to embrace love despite the known emotional consequences, revealing the tension between desire and pain.
“A kick in the ribs or a pat on the head”	Highlights the loyalty of a dog, who remains affectionate regardless of whether it is treated with cruelty or kindness.	Ecocriticism: Shows the contrast between human treatment of animals and the dog’s unwavering loyalty, reflecting on the ethical and emotional dimensions of the human-animal relationship.
“When the body that lived at your single will, / With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!).”	Describes the death of the dog, which was once emotionally attuned to its owner but is now lifeless, emphasizing the profound loss felt by the owner.	Existentialism: Highlights the finality of death and the emotional weight of loss, emphasizing the transient nature of life and relationships.
“So why in—Heaven (before we are there) / Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear?”	The speaker questions why humans choose to love dogs despite knowing the inevitable heartbreak their death will bring, underscoring the emotional paradox of love.	Existentialism: Reflects on the human tendency to seek meaning and joy in relationships, despite the pain and suffering that come with loss and mortality.

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

1. STEWART, JAMES McG. “MAJOR WORKS.” Rudyard Kipling: A Bibliographical Challenge, edited by A. W. Yeats, University of Toronto Press, 1959, pp. 1–492. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.3138/j.ctvfrxjm3.5. Accessed 17 Oct. 2024.
2. 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 17 Oct. 2024.
3. Varley, H. L. “Imperialism and Rudyard Kipling.” Journal of the History of Ideas, vol. 14, no. 1, 1953, pp. 124–35. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/2707499. Accessed 17 Oct. 2024.
4. Cook, Richard. “RUDYARD KIPLING AND GEORGE ORWELL.” Modern Fiction Studies, vol. 7, no. 2, 1961, pp. 125–35. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/26277224. Accessed 17 Oct. 2024.
5. Williams, Gordon. “Rudyard Kipling and His Critics.” The Australian Quarterly, vol. 8, no. 30, 1936, pp. 65–70. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/20629328. Accessed 17 Oct. 2024.
6. Hamm, Geoffrey. “Revisiting the Great Game in Asia: Rudyard Kipling and Popular History.” International Journal, vol. 68, no. 2, 2013, pp. 395–402. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/24709488. Accessed 17 Oct. 2024.