Luke Baldwin's Vow
1. Writer
Morley Callaghan was a Canadian writer known for his insightful portrayals of human
nature and his ability to capture the complexities of interpersonal relationships.
Callaghan was influenced by several prominent literary figures of his time, including
Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Before becoming a full-time writer, Callaghan worked as a journalist. His experience in
journalism likely influenced his writing style, characterized by its clarity, conciseness,
and attention to detail. This background also contributed to his ability to capture the
essence of everyday life in his stories.
Relationship with Hemingway: Callaghan had a close friendship with Ernest
Hemingway, whom he met in Paris in the 1920s. The two writers engaged in literary
discussions and exchanged critiques of each other's work. However, their friendship
soured over time, partly due to professional jealousy and personal disagreements. He
decided to set the record straight with his 1963 book That Summer in Paris: Memories of
Tangled Friendships with Hemingway, Fitzgerald and Some Others.
In addition to his writing career, Callaghan also pursued a career in law. He studied law
at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto and practiced law for a brief period before
devoting himself full-time to writing. His legal background provided him with a unique
perspective on justice and morality, which is evident in his fiction.
Callaghan spent time with both Hemingway and Fitzgerald while in Paris, and in so
doing became associated with the Lost Generation—a term popularized by Hemingway
for a group of American writers who lived in self-imposed exile, primarily in Paris, in the
years following World War I. These writers were considered “lost” because of the
disillusionment experienced during and after the war.
2. Setting
2.1. Time
- The story is set in the early 20th century, likely during the early to mid-1900s.
This era is characterized by rural lifestyles, limited technology, and the beginning
of industrialization.
- Summer is the specific time frame within the story, representing a period of
growth and development for the protagonist, Luke Baldwin. The summer season
symbolizes a stage of transition and self-discovery in his life. It parallels the
summer season as the "second stage" in one's life, signifying a time of personal
and intellectual maturation. “If spring represents birth and youth, then summer is
the time of growth into adulthood. This newfound adulthood comes with a lot of
emotion and turmoil in many texts and sees a character's first interactions with
love, loss, and growing up.” ( How are the four seasons significant in literature? -
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2.2. Place
- The story takes place in a small, rural village in England, situated in a remote area
far from urban centers. This setting highlights the isolation and simplicity of rural
life during the early 20th century.
- Specific locations within the village include Uncle Luke's sawmill and house by
the river and the pasture on the riverbank where he spends time with his dog.
- The mention of the natural elements such as the river, pasture, and surrounding
countryside. These natural elements contribute to the picturesque setting and
provide opportunities for Luke to bond with his dog and reflect on life's
challenges and joys.
- The sawmill of Luke’s uncle helps in determining the time frame of the story.
Sawmills were particularly prominent in rural areas during the late 19th and early
20th centuries when logging and lumber industries were significant economic
activities in many regions.
3. Plot
3.1 Exposition:
- Luke lives with his aunt Helen & uncle Henry near a sawmill after his father’s
death.
- Luke and Dan, a dog at uncle Henry, develop a deep bond, offering each other
companionship and comfort.
3.2 Rising action:
- Uncle Henry says that Luke's dog is no longer earning its keep, and they need to
get rid of him.
- Luke sees his uncle give a cigar to Sam Carter.
- Uncle Henry asks Luke to ride his bike into town to buy cigars.
- Luke is torn between obeying his uncle or protecting Dan.
- Luke decides to look for his dog and finds Dan in a boat with Sam Carter.
- Sam tries to drown the dog (drops it in water with a rock rope tied around its
neck).
- Luke takes off his clothes and dives into the water, finds Dan and then uses his
jackknife to cut through the rope and pull Dan to the ground.
- Luke forces the water from Dan's lungs and saves him.
- Luke and Dan rest in a grassy area while Luke ponders what to do with him.
- Luke visits Mr. Kemp and asks him for advice.
- Mr. Kemp tells Luke to offer his uncle a proposition (pay uncle 75 cents/week to
keep Dan and help with his expenses). Luke will earn the money by working for
Mr. Kemp each day (rounding cows).
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- Luke bravely and confidently makes a practical proposition with his uncle (he’ll
pay his uncle 75 cents/week for his keep of Dan)
3.4 Falling action:
- Uncle Henry agrees to Luke's proposition.
- Uncle Henry feels relieved as he eventually realizes the practical streak and
mature-hood in Luke
3.5 Resolution:
- Luke vows to always have money so he can protect what he values from all of the
practical people in the world.
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*Plot of Ms. Trinh
- Exposition:
+ Luke, a 12-year-old boy, has to live with his ant and uncle because his father is
dying
+ He promises his father that he will try to become a man like his uncle before
moving to live with them. It’s because his uncle is admired and respected by a lot
of people in the village
- Rising action:
+ Luke feels lonely when living with his uncle and Ant as he has no friends
+ Fortunately, Luke and Dan, a dog at uncle Henry, develop a deep bond, offering
each other companionship and comfort. He shares his joy and sorrow with the
dog and the dog understands him a lot.
+ Uncle Henry says that Luke's dog is no longer earning its keep, and they need to
get rid of him.
+ Uncle Henry asks Luke to ride his bike into town to buy cigars.
+ When Luke is on his way to town, Uncle Henry asks Mr. Sam to drown the dog in
the river
+ Luke senses that something went wrong with Dan, he is torn between obeying his
uncle or protecting Dan.
- Climax:
+ He decides to come back to save the dog
+ Luke takes off his clothes and dives into the water, finds Dan and then uses his
jackknife to cut through the rope and pull Dan to the ground.
+ Luke tries his best to force the water from Dan's lungs and save him.
+ Luke and Dan rest in a grassy area while Luke ponders what to do with him. He
cannot take Dan home because his uncle will not give up his intention of getting
rid of the dog
- Falling action:
+ Luke visits Mr. Kemp and asks him for advice.
+ Mr. Kemp tells Luke to offer his uncle a proposition (pay uncle 75 cents/week to
keep Dan and help with his expenses). Luke will earn the money by working for
Mr. Kemp each day (rounding cows).
- Resolution:
+ Luke bravely and confidently makes a practical proposition with his uncle (he’ll
pay his uncle 75 cents/week for his keep of Dan)
+ Uncle Henry agrees to Luke's proposition.
4. Point of view
In Morley Callaghan’s “Luke Baldwin’s Vow,” the writer used the third person point of view by
using pronouns such as “he,” “she,” or “it” to describe Mr. Henry, Aunt Henry, and the dog, Mr.
Kemp. The narrator has a limited perspective, meaning that the author only knows about the
thoughts and actions of the main character, Luke, and is unaware of all the thoughts and actions
of Luke’s uncle, Henry. In short, the narrator has a third-person limited perspective.
The narrator describes Henry, Luke’s uncle, in terms of physical appearance. Henry is depicted
as a robust adult, weighing over 230 pounds, with a dark, rough-skinned face. However, the
narrator does not reveal Henry’s thoughts and actions.
Besides that, the narrator effectively conveys Luke's actions, thoughts, and emotions. Luke
deeply respects and admires his uncle, Henry. When Henry decides to euthanize the old collie
dog, Dan, Luke opposes this decision and tries to save the dog’s life. These narrative elements
reveal the narrator’s understanding of Luke’s emotional state and thought processes.
The narrator's purpose in using Point of view:
The author uses Third Person Limited in the work “Luke Baldwin’s Vow.” By limiting the
viewpoint to Luke, the story effectively builds suspense. Readers remain in the dark about
external events and the reactions of other characters until they are revealed through Luke’s
observations.
This approach allows the narrator to delve into the main character’s inner world while keeping
the thoughts of other characters private. Through this perspective, readers can appreciate the
complexity of the characters and gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they face.
Furthermore, using this point of view, the author effectively conveys their intention. In “Luke
Baldwin’s Vow,” through Luke’s perspective, the author portrays the character’s development
via Luke’s actions, thoughts, and emotions. This approach clearly conveys Luke’s love and
loyalty to the old dog, Dan, as well as the determination he shows in protecting Dan.
5. Characters
a. Uncle Henry:
- Uncle Henry serves as an antagonist
- Luke's guardian
- He provides guidance, stability, and a sense of family for Luke.
- He is portrayed as a practical and sensible man who takes care of Luke after the
loss of his parents. Uncle Henry is well-respected in the community, and his
presence provides stability and guidance in Luke's life.
b. Aunt Helen: Aunt Helen is Uncle Henry's wife and Luke's aunt. Aunt Helen is another
supporting character who offers love, care, and emotional support to Luke. She is
described as kind, nurturing, and a loyal wife. Aunt Helen offers emotional support to
Luke, providing him with a loving and caring environment in the absence of his parents.
c. Luke Baldwin: Luke is the central character and the protagonist of the story. The
narrative revolves around his experiences, growth, and his vow to protect his dog. Luke is
a 12-year-old boy who has experienced the loss of both his parents. He forms the central
character of the story. Luke's love for his dog, Dan, and his determination to protect him
play a crucial role in the narrative. Luke's character reflects resilience and a strong sense
of responsibility.
d. Dan: Dan is an 11-year-old collie and Luke's faithful companion. He is portrayed as
having a physical disability, being blind in one eye, and having a limp. Despite his
challenges, Dan symbolizes loyalty and perseverance. Luke's vow to protect Dan's life
becomes a significant driving force in the story.
e. Sam Carter: Sam Carter is a mill hand who works with Uncle Henry. While his role is
not extensively explored, Sam Carter can be considered a supporting character who
possibly provides assistance or friendship to Luke. His role in the story is not extensively
explored, but he likely represents a supporting character in Luke's life, possibly providing
assistance or friendship.
f. Mr. Kemp: Mr. Kemp is a catalyst and a neighbor who lives down the road from Luke's
family. He is mentioned to have four cows, indicating his occupation as a farmer or cattle
owner. Mr. Kemp is a neighbor who adds to the setting and community aspect of the
story. Mr. Kemp's character serves to establish the setting and community surrounding
Luke's home.
6. Themes:
- Practicality is not always the best policy: This theme is evident in Luke's
decision to keep Promise, the old hunting dog, despite his father's insistence that
it's impractical. Luke's commitment to Promise goes beyond practical
considerations, highlighting the value of loyalty and emotional connection.
- What is worthless to one person can be valuable to others: Promise is
considered old and useless by Luke's father, but Luke sees value in him as a loyal
companion. This theme emphasizes the subjective nature of value and challenges
the notion of worth based solely on practical utility.
- We need not only bread but roses in our life: This theme suggests that life
requires more than just basic necessities like food (bread); it also needs beauty,
joy, and emotional fulfillment (roses). Luke finds happiness and purpose in his
relationship with Promise, demonstrating the importance of emotional
connections and the pursuit of happiness beyond material needs.
- Empathy is a step closer to true friendship: Luke's empathy towards Promise,
despite the dog's shortcomings, fosters a deep bond between them. This theme
underscores the significance of understanding and compassion in building
genuine connections with others.
- Friendship has no boundary: Luke forms a meaningful friendship with Promise,
transcending barriers of age, species, and societal expectations. This theme
celebrates the universality of friendship and its ability to bridge differences.
-> importance of emotional connections, empathy, and the pursuit of fulfilment beyond
practical considerations.
7. Symbolism
- The first vow: Luke made the vow to his dying father that he would try to
become a person like Uncle Henry. For him, his uncle is a good model that he
should follow. He was appreciated by his employees, and they are always polite
and attentive when he spoke. In addition, He also knew exactly how much Aunt
Helen needed to run the house, the price of everything, how much a woman
should be paid for doing the family washing.
- The second vow ( at the end of the story): he would try his best to have money in
order to protect what he wants in his life. The second vow symbolizes practicality.
Because money is very essential for our life, specially when we have money, we
can do everything easily.
- 75 cents: three quarters of a pound. When Luke hears the sound of the money (75
cents),he may think that it is a big number that he can obtain. He proposed only
one pound, Luke may think that one pound is not a plural noun, a big number, so
he may refuse the proposal. However, the quarter that is missing in this situation
is the lack of maturity in Luke’s life. He needs one more quarter in order to
experience the full life, to become fully developed or mature. The 75 cents
symbolizes Luke's longing for companionship and his determination to fulfill his
desire despite the challenges he faces.
- The dog: represents the symbol of companionship, loyalty, and a sense of
responsibility. Luke Baldwin's desire to have a dog stems from his loneliness and
longing for a friend. Throughout the story, the dog becomes a symbol of Luke's
emotional needs and his search for connection.
- The transaction: the transaction between Luke and Mr Kemp, Luke and Uncle
Henry. All these are used to refer to the fact that Luke is fully aware of the
changes in his maturity and his development. The transaction also highlights
themes of faith, integrity, and the complexities of moral decision-making. Luke's
vow represents his attempt to negotiate with a higher power to achieve his earthly
desires, demonstrating his belief in the power of promises and the importance of
keeping them. Additionally, the transaction serves as a test of Luke's character, as
he grapples with the implications of his promise and the consequences of breaking
it.
8. Irony, Tone, Mood
8.1. Irony:
- Situational irony:
+ When Luke called the collie to cross the veranda to him, he expected to play with the dog
as normally, however, unfortunately the dog fell down the steps, which led to Uncle
Henry's decision to get rid of Dan.
+ When Luke asked Mr. Kemp for help, Luke thought about the 2 situations: Mr. Kemp
would agree to keep Dan, or he would refuse. The result is that Mr. Kemp helped him by
giving him counsel to make a proposition to Uncle Henry.
+ Uncle Henry’s expectation: When he gave Dan to Sam Carter, he expected Dan would be
in drought until died. However, the result was that Dan was still alive.
+ Uncle Henry expected himself to be practical and sensible, but he was overwhelmed with
distress after Aunt Helen’s advice.
- Dramatic irony:
+ The readers know the strong bond between Luke and Dan much earlier than Uncle
Henry. We see their friendship develop and the importance Dan holds for Luke. This
creates a sense of dramatic irony because we know the dog's significance, while Uncle
Henry remains oblivious until the climax.
+ The audience might understand what Uncle Henry wants Luke to learn by saying “You’ll
learn that useless luxuries cost the smartest of men hard-earn money.”, but it is likely that
Luke didn’t understand yet.
8.2. Tone and mood:
Tone:
- Nostalgic: Callaghan evokes a sense of longing for childhood and the simpler world
Luke leaves behind when he moves to the farm.
(“simpler world” explanation: before moving to Uncle Henry’s house, Luke lived with his father,
but after his father’s death, he became an orphan who had a lot of sadness and loneliness)
- Slightly critical: the author criticised the world of adults, particularly Uncle Henry's
practicality that overlooks emotional connections.
Mood:
- Melancholy: The story starts with a loss, Luke's father's death, setting a sombre mood.
There's a sense of displacement and grief that Luke carries throughout the story.
- Hopeful: Despite the initial sadness, there's an underlying hope that emerges from the
bond between Luke and Dan. Their friendship offers comfort and a sense of purpose for
both of them.
As Luke fights for Dan, the mood becomes suspenseful and hopeful, adding a layer of
strength and resilience to the tone.
- Warmth: The friendship between Luke and Dan brings a sense of comfort and affection
