Comparing Inequalities Between 'The Doctor And The Doctor's Wife'

Founded by Karl Marx, Marxism is a school of thought which explores the relationship between the upper and lower classes of society. It was taught through Marxism that the main cause for historical change was disputes between social classes. This social warfare stemmed from the belief that the state, or government, for as long as it has existed, has used its authority to oppress the working masses for the benefit of the wealthy few. The relationship between the proletariats, the working class, and the bourgeoisie, the rich, was posited as one of opposition and conflict. Marx believed that a successful capitalist-run society was impossible and doomed to fail. Inequalities between the privileged and the unfortunate would lead to a war of the
After leading a small crew there, the doctor, referred to as “Doc,” refuses to allow the logs they find to be sawed up after he realizes they strayed from a boat belonging to “White and McNally.” It can be inferred that this is a powerful business in the story, representing the bourgeoisie, which is most like the reason for Doc’s sudden urge to leave the logs where they found them. Disagreeing with Doc’s decision, Dick confronts him, and Doc, intimidated by Dick’s broad stature, leaves the men and returns home, where he complains to his wife about the events of the day. He is described as continually “cleaning [his] shotgun,” which he is “very fond of” (2-3). He appears to be considering taking up arms against the others, something that Marx believes should never happen within
Doc, evident from his name, is a doctor, which means that he must have gone through intense studies in order to achieve this title. Obviously, Doc would be proud of his achievement and title, and he would want to be referred to using it. When Dick disputes with Doc, he continually calls the doctor “Doc,” as if it is his nickname. This irritates the doctor to the point of him saying that “if [he] call[s] [him] Doc once again, [he’ll] knock [Dick’s] eye teeth down [Dick’s] throat” (2). Although Dick appears to be using “Doc” as merely a nickname for the doctor, it could be representative of Dick’s efforts to bring the doctor down onto the same level as him pertaining to jobs. Dick is only a worker, so Doc would feel as if he is superior to the man without a true profession. This is another reason for the demise of the relationship between Dick and Doc. The title of “doctor” that Doc earned makes him feel more authoritative, creating an unevenness within the proletariats that cannot exist in order for the group to stay