Short Fiction · Chapter
Ulysses and the Dogman explained
The chapter introduces the phenomenon of 'dogmen' in New York City—men forced by their wives to walk pampered, ill-tempered dogs each evening.
What happens
The chapter introduces the phenomenon of 'dogmen' in New York City—men forced by their wives to walk pampered, ill-tempered dogs each evening. One such dogman, Sam Telfair, encounters an old Western friend, Jim Berry, who has come to the city briefly. As they drink together, Sam laments his subjugation to his wife's dog, Lovekins, and contrasts his current life with his former rugged independence. The story culminates in Sam's rebellion: he kicks the dog away and buys a ticket to Denver, symbolically reclaiming his freedom.
Themes in this chapter
Gender Roles and Marriage
The chapter satirizes the emasculation of men in marriage, as Sam Telfair is reduced to a dog-walker by his wife's demands, contrasting with his former Western independence.
Humor and Irony
The absurdity of the dogman's plight and the repeated 'Whiskey' / 'Make it two' exchange provide darkly comic relief, while the final kick and escape invert the expected submission.
Ambition and Failure
Sam's failed attempt to maintain his former identity in the face of domestic obligations, culminating in a rebellious act that reclaims his agency.
Characters to notice
- Sam Telfair
The dogman, a former Westerner now living in a New York flat, forced to walk his wife's detested dog Lovekins each evening.
- Jim Berry
An old friend from the West, a ranchman who has come to the city briefly and encounters Sam on the street.
- Marcella Telfair
Sam's wife, who insists on living in New York and dotes on her dog Lovekins, forcing Sam to walk it.
Key passages
“Every one of those dogmen has been either cajoled, bribed, or commanded by his own particular Circe to take the dear household pet out for an airing.”
Each dogman is forced by his wife to walk the family dog.
Highlights the theme of marital subjugation and the ironic reference to Circe.
“Whiskey,' said Jim. 'Make it two,' said the dogman.”
Jim orders whiskey, and Sam orders the same.
Recurring refrain emphasizing their camaraderie and Sam's escape through drinking.
“I'm going to creep over with a knife and cut a hole in his mosquito bar so they can get in to him.”
Sam jokes about sabotaging the dog's mosquito net to let insects bite it.
Illustrates Sam's pent-up resentment and dark humor.
“Suddenly the swift landing of three or four heavy kicks was heard, the air was rent by piercing canine shrieks, and a pained, outraged, lubberly, bowlegged pudding of a dog ran frenziedly up the street alone.”
Sam kicks the dog repeatedly, causing it to yelp and run away.
Climactic moment of rebellion, symbolizing Sam's break from domestic tyranny.
“Ticket to Denver,' said Jim. 'Make it two,' shouted the ex-dogman, reaching for his inside pocket.”
Jim buys a ticket to Denver, and Sam declares he will join him.
Final act of liberation, as Sam abandons his dog-walking role.