Marilyn the Dog's Fate

The Executioners

The red setter whose poisoning signals the beginning of Cady's campaign and whose death teaches the Bowden children about violence.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Setter in the Family Setter in the Family from "The Executioners". Setter in the Family Context The Bowdens' red setter, Marilyn, has been part of the household since before Bucky was born.

Setter in the Family from "The Executioners". Setter in the Family Context The Bowdens' red setter, Marilyn, has been part of the household since before Bucky was born.

Setter in the Family Context The Bowdens' red setter, Marilyn, has been part of the household since before Bucky was born. She is sweet, fearful, and hopelessly devoted to the children. Significance Marilyn is the family's first line of innocence. Her lack of courage makes her more lovable, and her death will carry a weight far beyond the loss of a pet. Aftermath She grows old in the kitchen, chases squirrels, hides under couches during thunder, and greets the school bus every afternoon. None of that will save her.

Poisoned Meat Found Poisoned Meat Found from "The Executioners". Poisoned Meat Found Context Someone leaves a piece of raw meat laced with strychnine in the front yard, where Marilyn is certain to find it on her way to meet…

Poisoned Meat Found from "The Executioners". Poisoned Meat Found Context Someone leaves a piece of raw meat laced with strychnine in the front yard, where Marilyn is certain to find it on her way to meet…

Poisoned Meat Found Context Someone leaves a piece of raw meat laced with strychnine in the front yard, where Marilyn is certain to find it on her way to meet the school bus. Significance The placement of the bait requires local knowledge and premeditation. It is not a crime of passion; it is a calculated message to the whole family. Aftermath Marilyn gobbles the meat and begins to whine and bite herself in the side. The children arrive home just in time to watch the poison take hold.

Death Convulsion Death Convulsion from "The Executioners". Death Convulsion Context Marilyn goes into convulsions in the front yard while Nancy screams, Jamie watches with a shaking mouth, and Bucky cries hoarsely.

Death Convulsion from "The Executioners". Death Convulsion Context Marilyn goes into convulsions in the front yard while Nancy screams, Jamie watches with a shaking mouth, and Bucky cries hoarsely.

Death Convulsion Context Marilyn goes into convulsions in the front yard while Nancy screams, Jamie watches with a shaking mouth, and Bucky cries hoarsely. The vet arrives just before she dies. Significance The children witness violent death for the first time. Bushrod's body twists like a machine winding down, and the family's garden of ordinary life is poisoned with it. Aftermath Carol tells Sam the story in a gray voice, and the family spends a sleepless night with the image of the dying dog.

Burial by the Aspens Burial by the Aspens from "The Executioners". Burial by the Aspens Context Sam digs a grave on the slope behind the barn near the aspens, with Jamie taking a violent turn with the spade. Dr.

Burial by the Aspens from "The Executioners". Burial by the Aspens Context Sam digs a grave on the slope behind the barn near the aspens, with Jamie taking a violent turn with the spade. Dr.

Burial by the Aspens Context Sam digs a grave on the slope behind the barn near the aspens, with Jamie taking a violent turn with the spade. Dr. Lowney brings the body wrapped in a khaki blanket. Significance The burial ritual is the family's first attempt to impose order on chaos. Jamie's fury at the grave shows how the children are processing grief through fantasies of revenge. Aftermath They shape the mound and return to a cheerless dinner. The next morning, Jamie and Mike will search the creek bed for a stone marker.

Jamie's Marker Search Jamie's Marker Search from "The Executioners". Jamie's Marker Search Context Jamie insists the dog deserves a big marble monument, until Sam suggests a simpler stone from the creek bed.

Jamie's Marker Search from "The Executioners". Jamie's Marker Search Context Jamie insists the dog deserves a big marble monument, until Sam suggests a simpler stone from the creek bed.

Jamie's Marker Search Context Jamie insists the dog deserves a big marble monument, until Sam suggests a simpler stone from the creek bed. Jamie and Mike set out to find a flat-sided rock they can chisel into a grave marker. Significance The search gives Jamie a concrete task for his grief. It also connects the dog's grave to the family's new weapon practice: the clay bank and the cans hang above the same slope. Aftermath Marilyn's grave becomes part of the family landscape, a quiet reminder that Cady has already struck once. The stone, when it comes, will mark not just a pet but the end of their charmed circle.

four years before the siege, before Bucky was born

Friday before the boat-yard confrontation

the same Friday afternoon after the school bus arrived

that evening behind the barn

Saturday morning before target practice