The Power Of The Dog Novel Review
“The Power of the Dog” is a novel by Thomas Savage, first published in 1967. It tells the story of two brothers, Phil and George Burbank, who are ranchers in Montana in the early 1900s. The novel explores themes of masculinity, power, and family dynamics, and has been praised for its vivid descriptions of the American West.
The Plot
The novel begins with Phil and George Burbank living on their ranch in Montana. Phil is the dominant brother, while George is more passive and introspective. The brothers’ relationship is strained, and they are often at odds with each other.
One day, George brings home a new wife, Rose. This causes tension between the brothers, as Phil sees her as a threat to their way of life. He begins to plot against Rose, using his power and influence to undermine her and force her out of the family.
As the novel progresses, we see the power struggle between Phil and Rose, as well as the effects it has on George and the rest of the family. The story builds to a dramatic climax, with consequences that will reverberate for years to come.
The Characters
The characters in “The Power of the Dog” are complex and well-developed. Phil is a classic alpha male, with a strong sense of pride and a need to dominate those around him. George, on the other hand, is more sensitive and introspective, struggling to find his place in the world.
Rose is a fascinating character, as she represents a threat to the traditional values and power structures of the ranching community. Her arrival upsets the status quo, and she is met with hostility and suspicion from Phil and the other ranchers.
Other characters, such as the ranch hands and other members of the community, are also well-drawn and add to the sense of authenticity and realism in the novel.
The Themes
“The Power of the Dog” explores a number of themes, including masculinity, power, and family dynamics. Phil’s need to dominate those around him is a classic example of toxic masculinity, and his treatment of Rose can be seen as a manifestation of this.
The novel also examines the power structures of the ranching community, and how they are threatened by change and modernization. Rose represents a new way of thinking and living, which is met with hostility and skepticism by the traditionalists.
Family dynamics are also a key theme in the novel, with Phil and George’s relationship being a central focus. The tension between the brothers is intensified by Rose’s arrival, and we see how their dynamic is affected by the power struggle between Phil and Rose.
The Writing Style
Savage’s writing style is clear, concise, and evocative. He has a talent for creating vivid descriptions of the landscape and the characters, which draw the reader in and make them feel as though they are a part of the story.
The dialogue is also well-written, with each character having their own distinct voice and style. This adds to the sense of authenticity and realism in the novel, and makes the characters feel like real people.
The Reception
“The Power of the Dog” has been widely praised by critics and readers alike. It was a finalist for the National Book Award in 1968, and has been called a “masterpiece” by many literary scholars.
The novel’s exploration of masculinity, power, and family dynamics has resonated with readers, as has its vivid portrayal of the American West. It has been compared to other classic Western novels, such as “Lonesome Dove” and “The Virginian.”
The Conclusion
Overall, “The Power of the Dog” is a powerful and engaging novel that explores a range of complex themes. Savage’s writing is evocative and authentic, and the characters are well-drawn and compelling.
The novel’s exploration of masculinity, power, and family dynamics is particularly noteworthy, and has contributed to its enduring popularity and critical acclaim. It is a must-read for fans of Western literature and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human relationships and power dynamics.