Edgar Summary

Edgar's earliest memory is of Almondine sniffing him. Most of his major memories from infancy and early childhood revolve around dogs in one way or another. Edgar watches over the litters of puppies, and creates names for them in his mind.

Another memory is that of a bad storm that peels away a third of the roof of the barn. Before the storm hits, Edgar collects a letter, postmarked Portsmouth, Virginia, from the mailman.

Edgar Analysis

Edgar is given the task of naming newborn puppies. He chooses names that have important and symbolic meaning to them. A storm likewise serves a symbolic omen of coming events. The barn roof is damaged, thereby damaging the overall integrity of the barn. A letter is received from Portsmouth, which serves to threaten the cohesive integrity of the Sawtelle family.