# The Dreams of Chang explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Ivan Bunin.

## What happens

Chang, an old dog, and his master, the captain, live in a bleak Odessa garret, their fortunes fallen from their seafaring days. The captain, disillusioned, preaches a single grim truth of life's futility, echoing Ecclesiastes. Chang drifts between drunken stupor and memories of a beautiful past aboard a steamer in the Red Sea. The captain dies in his sleep; Chang, devastated, witnesses the funeral and is taken in by a new master, an artist. In the end, Chang dreams of a third truth beyond death, sensing the captain's enduring presence in a universe inaccessible to mortality.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mortality and the Futility of Wealth

The captain's death in poverty and his earlier belief in life's meaninglessness underscore the theme of mortality and the vanity of earthly pursuits.

### Solitude and Longing

Chang's isolation and longing for the past, as well as the captain's solitary despair, permeate the chapter.

### The Beauty and Harshness of Nature

The contrast between the beautiful memories of the Red Sea and the harsh Odessa winter illustrates nature's dual aspects.

## Character check-ins

### Chang

The old, drunken dog who reflects on his past with the captain and experiences the captain's death.

### The Gentleman from San Francisco

Referred to as 'the captain' throughout; Chang's master who dies in the garret.

### Ivan Bunin

The artist who takes Chang in after the captain's death, showing compassion.

## Key lines

> Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when thou shalt say, I have no pleasure in them!

The captain often quotes Ecclesiastes, urging remembrance of God before old age brings despair.

_This biblical quote encapsulates the captain's pessimistic worldview._

> Life is a dreary, winter day in a filthy tavern, no more.

The captain declares that life is nothing but a bleak, dirty tavern on a winter day.

_Reflects the captain's nihilistic philosophy._

> Ah, no, no⁠—there is upon earth some third truth, that has not been made known to me!

Chang's silent cry suggests there is a third truth beyond the two he knew, unknown to him.

_This moment of love and connection hints at a transcendent truth._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_30_se/chapters/the-dreams-of-chang
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_30_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_30_se/chapters