Tom The Doberman Analysis

In Wayne Johnston’s novel The Divine Ryans, Tom the Doberman is significant in the way he represents many aspects of the Ryans’ lives. First of all, his savage barking contrasts the silence and secrecy which is standard for the Ryans. Also, he is trapped behind a fence, similar to how the Ryans are trapped in their secrets. Finally, because Tom is described as monstrous, he also represents the various monstrous aspects of the Ryan’s lives.

One of the things that Tom the Doberman represents is the silence and sincerity which is prevalent in Johnston’s novel. In the Ryan family, silence and compliance is expected. The family is always trying to stay silent and keep their secrets. During the choir performance, Draper Doyle decides to lip-sync all the songs. This is significant, as Draper Doyle’s silence symbolizes how although some members of the Ryan family may try to open their mouths and reveal the truth, no words will come out. Aunt Phil, along with Father Seymour and Sister Louise, embody the

Tom’s ears are tied together, making him look deformed or monstrous. In addition, his barking is also described as savage. Aunt Phil often acts in ways that could be described as monstrous. For instance, when Uncle Reginald is joking about how Aunt Phil was keeping the good food for herself, he describes her as wearing “the very fat of others on her bones” (59). Another example of monstrosity in this novel is sexuality. Uncle Reginald describes sexuality as a “beast with two backs.” Another example of sexuality having monstrous qualities is the Momary dreams that Draper Doyle has. These dreams show Draper’s fear after seeing both his mother and his sister naked. As with everything negative in this family, these monstrous things are ignored. When Tom the Doberman jumps onto the fence, Aunt Phil covers Draper’s eyes, and later insists that the dog was not even