The Loaded Dog Essay Questions

What does the death of the yellow-mongrel suggest about life in the Australian bush?

The violent and gruesome death of the dog speaks to the harsh, special realities of a rugged, unforgiving physical environment that the miners are attempting to shape in the form of their desires, hopes, and wishes to become wealthy. At the same time, the death of the dog can be seen as the bush attempting to exert its authority as the sole force and source of fear and intimidation for the miners. The dog was not deterred by the various attempts by the miners and bushmen to run it out of the hotel kitchen. However the bush vis-a-vis an idiotic dog and an explosive cartridge was able to achieve that goal - and then some.

Why might Tommy not have received any kind of punishment from the men who take liberty in killing other kinds of life (specifically fish) with explosives?

Andy, Jim, and Dave understand that while their retriever's stupidity and playfulness was a source of great tension and anxiety for them, it was still their dog. Other creatures and animals are presented as nebulous, impersonal, and without any special qualities that could justify any resistance to killing them. To the miners, these animals are more valuable (and less of a nuisance) dead rather than alive.

Why might the author include humor in the story?

Life in the bush is difficult and very unpredictable. In particular, the unpredictably is infused with a lighthearted humor to suggest that, at least from a distance, one can come to see how silly and pointless the escapades of the miners are. It also goes to show that tampering with the bush's environs can be both a painful and humiliating experience.

Why does Tommy fear the yellow-mongrel - so much so that he drops the cartridges and runs?

The fear that seizes Tommy represents a kind of turning point in the story, from humor to dread. Additionally, the main cause of concern, the cartridge, exchanges hands (or paws). The cartridge is positioned to act as a nullifying force that will wipe out both itself and the other chief source of tension in the story, the yellow-mongrel. Tommy's fear is necessary to push the story forward and specifically in the direction of a satisfactory, happy ending.

What is the purpose of presenting the miners as a trio?

Presenting Andy, Jim, and Dave as a trio allows for the development of a series of humorous antics. For example, Tommy is able to run after each of them. Having a singular character would detract from the more lighthearted moments in the story.