Dogs in literature often symbolize loyalty, protection, and instinct, representing the struggle between nature and social norms, as seen in London's The Call of the Wild. They hold significant historical roles in cultures and are used symbolically in art, such as portraying control in the 'Dogs of War' sculpture related to apartheid.
Throughout literature, dogs often symbolize a range of ideas such as loyalty, protection, and the intrinsic instincts found in nature versus the societal norms imposed on both animals and humans. In London's The Call of the Wild, dogs represent the struggle between humanity's civilized behavior and the wild instincts that arise in harsh conditions. This narrative invites reflection on whether human beings belong in the brutal Klondike environment and illuminates the struggles the man faces against nature, with only a dog as his companion.
In representations of dogs related to historical cultures, such as in Mesoamerican context, dogs served as companions and guides in life and death, which highlights their transformative role in human cultures historically. In the context of apartheid, dogs are used symbolically to represent control and police brutality, as seen in the 'Dogs of War' sculpture that anthropomorphizes dogs with human features signifying authority and enforcement.
The imagery of dogs in literature and art offers a rich tapestry for exploring themes such as survival, companionship, control, and societal norms. Whether as a loyal companion or a metaphorical representation of state control, the inclusion of dogs in storytelling and art underscores the complex relationships that have always existed between humans and canines.