An analysis of the short story, “My Kid’s Dog” by Ron Hansen, the narrator, provides insight into different themes and symbols expressed throughout the story. It is a story full of humor, starring a man whose impatience leads to him being constantly annoyed by his pet dog. Hansen emphasizes the feelings between himself and the dog, by stating “I hated the dog. The feeling was mutual” (Bedford 471). Since the beginning, the author lets his readers know that the relationship between him and his pet is full of hatred and annoyance. He narrates the story using sarcasm and humor to describe the disgust he feels towards the dog.
Since the story is told from Hansen’s point of view, it is easier to understand why he commits certain …show more content…
The author does this comparison on the grounds that in several of Poe’s stories the main characters’ feel guilt for certain actions they commit, much the same as the narrator in this story, who feels guilty for despising his pet. The reader is able to establish a connection between both Hansen’s work and Poe’s work. Since both of the works include similar themes and characters it is evident that there is a connection between the two writers. Both Poe and Hansen use irony to develop the plot and characters of their stories. Theme of death is also a characterization in Poe’s work, allowing for a comparison between Hansen’s short story. In Hansen’s story the dog died, revealing the theme of death with a hint of humor. In Poe’s stories the theme of death is presented along with suspense and irony. Hansen purposefully included this reference in order for the reader to understand the themes he is presenting in the