A Commentary on the Close Reading of Fine Literature

“See Spot.”

What is a “Spot”? Let’s look at this from the author’s perspective. “Spot” is named such because it is a dog with spots, in a time where people named animals for their visual features.

Are we sure “Spot” is a dog? Why do we assume this? Is Spot a person with an odd name? Is Spot named such not for its physical features, but to symbolize the author’s connection with a location?

Shall we think of the implications of naming living, conscious beings solely for their physical appearance? Would not this count as evil, for it is denying poor Spot of all its other no doubt wonderous qualities? It is condemnable for the author to write Spot from such a narrow perspective.

“See Spot run.”

Why is Spot running? Is it from the abuses of the time, or from the author’s cruel denial of Spot’s freedom? The poor being, simply seen for its visual features or its connection with a place and time unknown to it. “Spot”, such a simplistic and silly name; no wonder Spot runs!

We watch Spot run for sport; we, the cruel watchers, do nothing to help Spot from its plight. Why do we simply watch Spot run, instead of help? Is it because we are unable to help, or perhaps because we find amusement in Spot’s suffering?

Let us look at Spot in the context of its time: a time of change, the 1970s. Spot sees the cruelties of the world, watches the cold war, waits for nuclear annihilation, yet what can Spot do? Spot knows not, so Spot runs. Spot runs from its problems. Spot runs to ease its stress from the horrors of modern life. Spot can do nothing but run.

“Run Spot, run.”

Why do we command Spot to run? We’ve already seen him running, yet we tell, nay, demand Spot runs more. What are the implications here? Why do we, the readers, care whether Spot runs, walks, or stays? Is it to gain the pleasure of control over another sentient being?

Perhaps we should look at this from a gendered standpoint; is Spot male or female? Can we assume Spot is living oppressed, under the writer’s yoke? What, pray tell, can we assume of Spot’s thoughts on this? Does Spot follow these commands issued, or does Spot stay in defiance? If Spot does not run, will Spot be beaten? As we command, so Spot seems to follow; does Spot forget its free will?

Run, ye pathetic creature. Obey the command unthinkingly, lest ye gain freedom. Run, for we say “run.”

Run, from a world unknown to you, and treatment unjust. Your “owners” command you to run, so run.