The Night Watchman

The Night Watchman

by

Louise Erdrich

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on The Night Watchman makes teaching easy.

The Night Watchman: Edith, Psychic Dog Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Harry Roy, a retired army medic, sees Vera sleeping by the highway. He carries her to his car and brings her to her home. He gives her a soup with tender meat, carrots, onions, barley. Vera’s not afraid of the dog, Edith, but she trembles when Harry comes into the room. He has records that belonged to his mother, and he puts on something calming, Debussy, and waits.
After the countless people (men in particular) who have brutalized and exploited Vera, she finally comes across someone whose intentions seem to be only to help. Still, because of everything that has happened, she can’t help but be afraid of him.
Themes
Power, Solidarity, and Community Action Theme Icon
Sex, Violence, and Gender Theme Icon
Agency and Exploitation Theme Icon