A Dark Brown Dog

Written by Stephen Crane

Narrated by Michael Pearl

Stephen Crane writes a tragic story depicting the cycle of abuse, and the impact it has on those involved. A young boy finds a homeless dog, desperate for love, and brings him into his home. What is frightening about Crane’s take on this typical relationship, a boy and his dog, are the parallels between the young boy’s treatment of the dog and his abusive, alcoholic father’s treatment of those around him.

The amount of symbolism used throughout this essay is staggering, and is the main literary element used in this piece of work. Written in 1890, this story reflects the period of time that came shortly before known as Jim Crow.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Brook Forest Voices
• Release date: May 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9781941105443

Stephen Crane

Stephen Crane (1871-1900) was an American poet and author. Along with his literary work, Crane was a journalist, working as a war correspondent in both Cuba and Greece. Though he lived a short life, passing away due to illness at age twenty-eight, Crane’s literary work was both prolific and highly celebrated. Credited to creating one of the earliest examples of American Naturalism, Crane wrote many Realist works and decorated his prose and poetry with intricate and vivid detail.