A DARK BROWN DOG

 'A Dark Brown Dog' by Stephen Crane is a story that describes the relationship between a boy and the dog, just like the title. In my opinion, we can define this story as literature that falls under the category of naturalism, because of how the boy's father treats his family and the dog. Although he is the bread-winner of the family, his savage-like behavior cannot be forgotten.

 The most fundamental storyline for 'A Dark Brown Dog' is about a boy who brings a dog to his house. The trouble starts when his family notices that they have a new family member; they laugh at it, make fun of it, and cause the boy to be extremely embarrassed. In the end, the father decides that the dog stays, because he though that would anger all the other family members. 

 This story can be related to naturalism, a literary movement that seeks to replicate a believable everyday reality according to Wikipedia. Here, this common typical household is described as the main protagonists; there is an angry father who dislikes the world and an obedient son who is so naive to bring a lost dog home when his family is suffering from destitute. 

 What does the father's behavior also tell us? From this single action, we can deduce how the father does not care at all about how other people feel. Basically, the father here is just like any other typical husbands; they are unsatisfied with their lives, and tend to cause trouble with whatever they come in hand. In this story, the father is with his family, which causes him to turn violent towards them. To generalize this, we can say that people at this time were all having tough lives. Also, the father swung the dog many times just for pleasure and enjoyment. This also shows how cruel and savage-like he is towards his family members.

 Stephen Crane is a great naturalist; he had successfully depicted a daily life of a family in 'A Dark Brown Dog'. If I have a chance, I will read more of his stories so that I can have a better understanding of naturalism.

COMMENTS 

Ko Hae Uk: I think you had a clear understanding of the story. I also thought the father was very cruel and abusive of others. But you lack an opinion on the analysis. I totally agree that you had no time. Still, perhaps you could have written the gist of the essay in a thesis sentence.

Yoonju Chung: I agree that the father clearly showed how savage and cruel humans are. He swung the dog two or three times "hilariously" about his head and he held a carnival with cooking utensils, furniture, and "his wife". By using euphemism, this short story calmly portrayed a cruel nature of human beings and made me doubt "are we really civilized?" overall. I understand your point on linking naturalism with a character "the father" and it would be more great if you put some reflections or personal experiences in this essay!

Rhee Jiyoon: Hola! I always like your essays. They're neat, short, and well-organized. I learned from your essays that strength of a writing does not come from a dozen of similar examples and long, boring, tiring paragraphs, but from logic and clearness! However, when I read your first paragraph, I thought you'd elaborate your reflection focusing on one character, the "father", but when I read your 2nd and 3rd paragraph, I see no link with the introductory paragraph. Instead of explaining the general plot, try to focus more on the father. Well, I think this is only because you were running out of time.. So I'll look forward to your blog posting! HAHA!