Animal Symbolism In Louisa's Pets

Towards the end of the story, we come to realize that Louisa is not a woman who is worried about the convictions of society. Louisa’s pets appear to be minor characters in the narrative, however they are fused into Freeman’s writing to express certain aspects of Louisa’s character and represent the oppression in which she endures. The canary is a representation of how Louisa feels caught in her engagement, while her pet dog represents Louisa’s confinement in the relationship and loner-like personality. After looking beneath the surface and actually understanding what these animals symbolize, the audience can better understand Louisa’s character.