To Flush, My Dog by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
Analysis
"To Flush, My Dog" is a comparasison between two dogs, which are metaphors for her family and friends. Basically, she states that family will be there for your ups and downs no matter how good and bad they are, whereas friends and aquaintances expect you to always be happy and in a good mood.
The two dogs are an interesting metaphor. To me, it says a lot about owners and what they expect when they get a pet. One set of owners expect the dog to be happy all the time while the others expect the dog to go through ups and downs when they are together. That's not saying the owners are in the wrong, it's just an interesting comparison. Nonetheless, the dogs are the same way. Dogs are never always happy. They are sad when we are away, for example. They are also sad if you don't play with them.
Poem
To Flush, My Dog Yet, my pretty sportive friend, Little is't to such an end That I praise thy rareness! Other dogs may be thy peers Haply in these drooping ears, And this glossy fairness. But of thee it shall be said, This dog watched beside a bed Day and night unweary - Watched within a curtained room, Where no sunbeam brake the gloom Round the sick and dreary. Roses, gathered for a vase, In that chamber died apace, Beam and breeze resigning. This dog only, waited on, Knowing that when light is gone Love remains for shining. Other dogs in thymy dew Tracked the hares, and followed throughv Sunny moor or meadow. This dog only, crept and crept Next a languid cheek that slept, Sharing in the shadow. Other dogs of loyal cheer Bounded at the whistle clear, Up the woodside hieing. This dog only, watched in reach Of a faintly uttered speech, Or a louder sighing. And if one or two quick tears Dropped upon his glossy ears, Or a sigh came double - Up he sprang in eager haste, Fawning, fondling, breathing fast, In a tender trouble. And this dog was satisfied If a pale thin hand would glide Down his dewlaps sloping - Which he pushed his nose within, After -platforming his chin On the palm left open. Published in 1844.
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Nationality
Italian
Literary Movement
Victorian, 19th Century
Subjects
Animal, Relationship, Family, Friendship