Dog Symbol Analysis

The dog represents Lena’s deep longing for connection and her desire for someone to bear witness to her life. Lena describes to the old man how there was a dog when she and Boesman lived in Korsten who followed her around because she threw food to it. Boesman, by contrast, threw stones at the dog instead. The dog had thus waited until Boesman was asleep, then came into their camp to watch Lena cook or make the fire. She explains that she had loved the dog because it represented “another pair of eyes,” and something that could see her. In lieu of Boesman’s affection, the dog is able to witness her life and make her feel that she is worth caring for.

Fugard also makes a connection between the dog and the old man: despite the fact that they are unable to communicate, the old man similarly serves as a witness to Lena’s life. Lena also shares food and water with the old man, proving how her desire for connection with both the dog and the old man outweighs even her own need for sustenance. Additionally, Boesman attempts to cut off Lena from both the dog and the old man, demonstrating his own jealousy in each case as he wants to make her more reliant on him, rather than allowing her to form her own connections with others.