The Miser

The motif of Harpagon’s Dobermans appears every time the strongbox of money is threatened. They are a constant reminder and the physical embodiment of Harpagon’s greed and paranoia. To begin with, they are chained “to the nearest tree” (13) by Harpagon to protect his strongbox. Then, when Valere tries to talk Harpagon out of marrying off Elise to Seigneur Anselme, the dogs are heard barking outside. When Frosine (who is after his money) enters, the stage directions read, “[T]he dogs erupt. Frosine enters from the garden, tugging at her dress, which she finally frees from the jaws of the Dobermans” (25). Both of these instances signal to the audience and Harpagon that something (either his plans to make more money, or his tangible money) is threatened.

This happens again when Cleante takes the ring off of Harpagon’s hand and gives it to Marianne. It is, so far, the boldest move Cleante has made against Harpagon and signals his determination to keep Marianne for himself. Just after this moment, when Cleante and Marianne exit, the dogs can be heard howling.