The Dog Hervey (April 1914)
A man recounts his experiences with a peculiar dog named Harvey, who is given to him by a friend, Attley, after the dog suffers from distemper. The narrator is initially reluctant to take care of Harvey, who has a squint and an odd demeanor, but he soon finds himself drawn into the dog's strange presence. Harvey's behavior is unsettling; he stares intensely at the narrator, which evokes a mix of discomfort and curiosity. As Harvey recuperates, the narrator reflects on the dog's past, particularly his connection to a woman named Miss Sichliffe, who had nursed him back to health. Miss Sichliffe is portrayed as socially awkward and somewhat eccentric, having inherited wealth from her father, a retired doctor known for helping troubled young men. The narrator learns that she has become emotionally attached to Harvey, viewing him as her only companion. The story unfolds with the narrator's interactions with Miss Sichliffe, who expresses her gratitude for the care given to Harvey. Their conversations reveal her vulnerability and desire for connection, as she offers the narrator gifts of flowers and goldfish. The narrator, however, remains cautious and somewhat dismissive of her advances, viewing her as an oddity rather than a potential friend. As time passes, the narrator becomes increasingly aware of the bond forming between him and Harvey. The dog's unwavering gaze and peculiar behavior begin to affect the narrator's perception of reality, leading to moments of introspection about companionship and the nature of affection. The relationship between the narrator and Harvey evolves, with the dog becoming a constant presence in his life, even as he grapples with his own feelings of discomfort. The climax of the story occurs when the narrator returns Harvey to Miss Sichliffe, who is overjoyed to see her dog again. Their reunion is marked by a mix of relief and sadness, as the narrator realizes the depth of Miss Sichliffe's attachment to Harvey. The story concludes with the narrator reflecting on the complexities of human-animal relationships and the unexpected connections that can form between individuals, regardless of their social standing or quirks. Ultimately, the narrative explores themes of loneliness, companionship, and the ways in which individuals seek solace in one another, even in the most unconventional circumstances. The bond between the narrator and Harvey serves as a poignant reminder of the impact that animals can have on human lives, and the story leaves readers contemplating the nature of love and connection in a world filled with eccentricities.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1914 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Humor, Animal Fiction · 10,185 words
First lines
My friend Attley, who would give away his own head if you told him you had lost yours, was giving away a six-months-old litter of Bettina's pups, and half-a-dozen women were in raptures at the show on Mittleham lawn.
What this Textopian page supports
The Dog Hervey (April 1914) is listed on Textopian as a novella by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1914 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Humor, Animal Fiction, Social Commentary, Drama
- Length: 10,185 words
- Structure: 1 section, 196 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Dog Hervey (April 1914) by Rudyard Kipling
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Discussion starters
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- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The narrative explores complex themes of human-animal relationships, societal expectations, and personal identity, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Humor — The story employs wit and irony, particularly in the interactions between characters and their perceptions of the dog, providing comedic elements.
- Animal Fiction — The plot centers around the dog Harvey and his impact on the human characters, fitting the conventions of animal fiction.
- Social Commentary — The work critiques social norms and behaviors, particularly regarding gender roles and relationships, indicative of social commentary.
Tags
dog · fiction · short story · adventure · loyalty · friendship · animal · humor · British literature · early 20th century · narrative · family