Navigating Parenthood: Contrasting Perspectives on Love and Care in The Puppy by George Saunders

Literature & Communication📄 Essay📅 2026
Name Instructor Course Date The Puppy by George Saunders Family "Puppy" is an exciting story that details the life experiences of two young and energetic families viewing parenthood from differing perspectives. One can argue that Saunders's story explores the theme of proper parenting by exposing the readers to the consciousness of two young mothers on opposing ends of what defines true love and care towards their children and family in general. However, based on the story, it is clear that Saunders brings light to the target audiences on the youthful nature of children and how much children are like puppies, thus requiring guidance and understanding (140-150). Marie, a classy woman with a financially stable husband, believes that fulfilling children's desires define parental love. Marie remains content with the family's desire paying particular attention to Josh to ensure that the boy gets better life than what Marie's parents offered during her abusive childhood. Marie enjoys a loving family dynamic of spending most of her time together playing games and having fun. On the other hand, Callie represents a woman whose life revolves around financial difficulties but aims to ensure a healthy family life. Prioritizing Jo as the most loved boy in the family, Callie chose to protect him from harm by locking him on a tree to ensure he remained safe at home while the mother was not around to watch over him. Callie sees no wrong in teaching her children natural selection and pleasing her husband regardless of the imperfections in their relationship. Based on Callie, money does not define love and care toward others. On the contrary, the passion for accepting others the way they are and bettering them is the key to expressing love and concern for those people who claim to love in life. However, both have children with behavioral disorders, and each tries to express love t
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