Dogs and Nonwhite Humans in the Writings of Edgar Allan Poe

Abstract

This article examines the portrayals of dogs and nonwhite humans in Poe’s fiction. Of his imagined canines, Newfoundlands figure the most prominently in his writings. Poe likely cobbled together “The Newfoundland Dog” for Burton’s Magazine in 1839, and he includes a Newfoundland in three of his adventure tales: The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym, “The Journal of Julius Rodman,” and “The Gold-Bug.” Another dog, the poodle Diana, appears in the humorous tale “A Predicament.” All of these fictions also feature nonwhite humans ridiculed for their stature, age, physical deformities, perceived unattractiveness, nonstandard manner of speaking, and/or lack of intelligence. Unlike his canine counterparts, Tiger in Arthur Gordon Pym does not adhere to the typical comical role played by animals in Poe’s fiction; his behavior baffles and frightens Pym, and he inexplicably vanishes from the novel. Similarly, the multiracial character Dirk Peters differs from Poe’s other nonwhite characters. Although he is ridiculed for his appearance, he does not provide comic relief and exhibit subservience. Instead, he demonstrates courage, independence, and insight. Thus, in its depiction of a dog and a nonwhite character, Poe’s only novel differs significantly from his other fictions.