Tristan

Ben’s dog Tristan is symbolic of Ben’s aging self and his sense that his life isn’t worth living anymore. Like Ben, Tristan used to be enthusiastic about life but has become cautious and unenthusiastic in his older years, less keen to take risks or enjoy what life has to offer. Tristan is killed by William Harden’s wolfhounds, which represents the symbolic death of Ben’s plan to commit suicide. After Tristan’s death, Ben begins to construct a new vision of his life in which he still has things left to learn and things that he can contribute to the world.

Rex

In contrast to Tristan, Ben’s dog Rex is symbolic of youthful vitality and the desire to make the most out of being alive. Because of Rex’s symbolic association with life, the actions of this dog in the novel...