The Old Lady’s Recognition of Rose

The Power of the Dog (Thomas Savage Edition)

This flow traces the elder Burbanks’ initial suspicion of Rose and the Old Lady’s eventual choice to recognize her as family.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

News of the Marriage News of the Marriage from "The Power of the Dog". News of the Marriage An Unwelcome Surprise The Old Lady learns that George has married a widow with a son.

News of the Marriage from "The Power of the Dog". News of the Marriage An Unwelcome Surprise The Old Lady learns that George has married a widow with a son.

News of the Marriage An Unwelcome Surprise The Old Lady learns that George has married a widow with a son. Phil’s account encourages her to worry about Rose’s background and motives. Family Judgment She wants to delay acceptance until she has seen the woman. The response reflects the family’s concern with appearance and status more than George’s happiness.

Meeting the New Wife Meeting the New Wife from "The Power of the Dog". Meeting the New Wife A Quiet Reception Rose meets the Old Lady in the house and speaks of trusting George’s parents’ kindness.

Meeting the New Wife from "The Power of the Dog". Meeting the New Wife A Quiet Reception Rose meets the Old Lady in the house and speaks of trusting George’s parents’ kindness.

Meeting the New Wife A Quiet Reception Rose meets the Old Lady in the house and speaks of trusting George’s parents’ kindness. The Old Gent is moved that she recognizes George’s best quality. Cautious Acceptance The Old Lady remains uncertain, especially because Peter is part of the marriage. Her hesitation is tempered by the decency Rose shows in their first encounter.

A Son’s Wedding A Son’s Wedding from "The Power of the Dog". A Son’s Wedding A Private Ceremony Rose and George marry with Peter as their only guest.

A Son’s Wedding A Private Ceremony Rose and George marry with Peter as their only guest. The Old Lady is not present, but Rose enters the family through a deliberate commitment rather than formal approval. A Place for Peter George ensures the boy is included in the day. The marriage is presented as a family bond that must make room for the son Rose loves.

A Gesture at the Funeral A Gesture at the Funeral from "The Power of the Dog". A Gesture at the Funeral The Old Lady’s Choice The Old Lady gives Rose her jewelry and acknowledges her hands without requiring her to perform a social role.

A Gesture at the Funeral from "The Power of the Dog". A Gesture at the Funeral The Old Lady’s Choice The Old Lady gives Rose her jewelry and acknowledges her hands without requiring her to perform a social role.

A Gesture at the Funeral The Old Lady’s Choice The Old Lady gives Rose her jewelry and acknowledges her hands without requiring her to perform a social role. The gesture expresses affection more clearly than the earlier questions did. Recognition Without Conditions She has come to see Rose as a kind person who has endured a difficult life. The gift marks her acceptance into the family at a moment of shared grief.

Christmas Together Christmas Together from "The Power of the Dog". Christmas Together An Invitation Accepted The Old Lady says that she and the Old Gent will spend Christmas with George and Rose at the ranch.

Christmas Together from "The Power of the Dog". Christmas Together An Invitation Accepted The Old Lady says that she and the Old Gent will spend Christmas with George and Rose at the ranch.

Christmas Together An Invitation Accepted The Old Lady says that she and the Old Gent will spend Christmas with George and Rose at the ranch. The invitation signals that Rose is no longer being kept at a distance. Kindness as the Bond The Old Lady reflects that she has always had the Old Gent, just as Rose has George. Her recognition rests on the companionship she sees between the younger couple.

Winter 1924

Winter 1924–1925

Christmas season 1924

After Phil’s burial

After the funeral, looking toward Christmas