Dogheads
Dogheads - meaning Summary
Human-animal Identities Blurred
The speaker watches doglike figures in moonlight and hears them repeating stories, blurring animal and human identities by naming fictionally famous dogs and men. By invoking Buck, White Fang, Martin Eden and Larsen the Wolf, the poem links instinct, endurance and narrative selfhood. Its final epitaph — "He loved the straight eyes of dogs and the strong heads of men" — frames admiration for plain strength and elemental companionship.
Read Complete AnalysesAMONG the grassroots In the moonlight, who comes circling, red tongues and high noses? Is one of 'em Buck and one of 'em White Fang? In the moonlight, who are they, cross-legged, telling their stories over and over? Is one of 'em Martin Eden and one of 'em Larsen the Wolf? Let an epitaph read: He loved the straight eyes of dogs and the strong heads of men.
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