Primary Analysis
Hobo and Dog
The roaring twenties were times of celebrating, dancing and a rise in the stock market. However, there were still some people, called hobos, in the 1920’s that had to struggle for money, homes and jobs. Hobos were travelers looking for jobs, most likely hard labor. The famous painter Norman Rockwell’s creates the painting entitled, Hobo and Dog (1924). Rockwell’s displays hobos in a new light reflecting the opposite in which society views the dirty average hobo. The painting displays a unique twist because the hobo demonstrates great compassion towards the dog.
The hobo gives noticeable compassion to the dog with his source of food, the two hotdogs. Under the hobo’s legs, the dog’s head is leaning towards the fresh meat cooking over the fire. Protecting and caring for the dog, the hobo exhibits his kindheartedness, conflicting with the normal interpretations of hobos. The hobo is willing to give up his only source of nourishment for his body and health to, his best friend, the dog. The importance of having someone to eat with is also shown in this picture because the man would be lonely without the dog near him. It suggests that food has no meaning unless an individual is willing to share with someone else to join together. The dog could care less about the man’s tattered and aged clothing, showing it is more important to be together than the outside appearance. Although the hobo seems to be part of the blue-collar society, he is carrying a newspaper with him, presenting he is a part of the society and wants to belong with the civilization.
The painting reflects the importance of sharing having a community in order to survive. Compassion is significant because there can be a connection between the individuals which allows growth and survival in a society. It shows how being part of a group is necessary to feel a sense of belonging. Food allows individuals to exist and live in the world, however, if there is no one to live and eat with then the food becomes pointless.
The roaring twenties were times of celebrating, dancing and a rise in the stock market. However, there were still some people, called hobos, in the 1920’s that had to struggle for money, homes and jobs. Hobos were travelers looking for jobs, most likely hard labor. The famous painter Norman Rockwell’s creates the painting entitled, Hobo and Dog (1924). Rockwell’s displays hobos in a new light reflecting the opposite in which society views the dirty average hobo. The painting displays a unique twist because the hobo demonstrates great compassion towards the dog.
The hobo gives noticeable compassion to the dog with his source of food, the two hotdogs. Under the hobo’s legs, the dog’s head is leaning towards the fresh meat cooking over the fire. Protecting and caring for the dog, the hobo exhibits his kindheartedness, conflicting with the normal interpretations of hobos. The hobo is willing to give up his only source of nourishment for his body and health to, his best friend, the dog. The importance of having someone to eat with is also shown in this picture because the man would be lonely without the dog near him. It suggests that food has no meaning unless an individual is willing to share with someone else to join together. The dog could care less about the man’s tattered and aged clothing, showing it is more important to be together than the outside appearance. Although the hobo seems to be part of the blue-collar society, he is carrying a newspaper with him, presenting he is a part of the society and wants to belong with the civilization.
The painting reflects the importance of sharing having a community in order to survive. Compassion is significant because there can be a connection between the individuals which allows growth and survival in a society. It shows how being part of a group is necessary to feel a sense of belonging. Food allows individuals to exist and live in the world, however, if there is no one to live and eat with then the food becomes pointless.