the art of racing in the rain

the art of racing in the rain

Exploring the Symbolism and Themes in ‘The Art of Racing in the Rain’

1. Introduction to the Novel and Author

Garth Stein is the author of The Art of Racing in the Rain. He is a film producer and director of documentaries and television commercials. Having co-produced an Academy Award-winning short film, Garth Stein has also written a screenplay for The Art of Racing in the Rain that was under consideration for production in 2009. He continues to work on specific adaptations for movie, theater and radio productions. The Art of Racing in the Rain is Stein’s third novel, following ‘How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets’ and ‘Raven Stole the Moon’. It is one of four autobiographical works he has authored, the others being ‘Witch of Goingsnake’ and ‘Racing in the Rain’.

‘The Art of Racing in the Rain’ is a novel of contemporary fiction by Garth Stein, told from the first-person point-of-view of Enzo, a terrier mix dog. Enzo has deep observations about human action and society due to his close relationships with his owner, Denny Swift, a race car driver. Enzo is writing his memoirs to convey his life’s story and experience to Denny and Eve, aiming to impart wisdom that can shape their future. The novel features personally reflective episodes and reveals Enzo’s thoughts on America’s social failures and human weaknesses, on the joy and anger of family and on the disappointment and hope of the human condition. The Art of Racing in the Rain was a New York Times bestseller for 156 weeks.

2. The Symbolism of Racing and Weather

The weather is an important way in which the author, Garth Stein, helps to set scenes in the novel, but it also serves a symbolic purpose. Enzo’s favorite weather is rain, as he doesn’t like overheating. This reflects his usual lack of emotion, as he often looks at things with a cut and dry point of view. Rain is a rebirth and washing away the old, and signifies various things from purifying and cleansing the old to helping things grow and being a problem for the majority of those who walk on this Earth. Denny, Enzo’s owner, says he likes how the same weather that depresses most allows him to perform at his best on the race track. In the end, he says the rain will wash everything away and start everything again. Rain is able to bring out either the best or the worst in people.

Symbolism is a huge part of this amazing novel. The title of the novel alone is full of symbolism. “The Art of Racing in the Rain” doesn’t actually refer to car racing. It refers to the way in which Enzo sees life. Enzo isn’t religious, but he thinks he will be if he returns as a human. Enzo is passionate about racing, as he is sure he will be able to race in competition as a human.

3. Themes of Perseverance and Resilience

Many of Enzo’s metaphorical understandings associate race car driving and drivers with life’s struggles. He takes what he can learn from Denny’s actions and applies it to his journey of becoming human. Through observation and quiet understanding of the present, he silently endures the waiting as Denny fights Amanda in court and he must wait to fulfill his own destiny. “Business at hand” is all about details, including tackling one obstacle at a time and not losing sight of what needs to be done in essence to reach the end of the race. Looking forward, Enzo can “see the race that has been run”, and as Denny explains calmly, Enzo will be able to “see the race that will be run”. These are very subtle, carefully constructed similes that give insight into the inner workings of this odd relationship, but which enrich the narrative and give clear indication that it can sometimes be beyond our understanding. In every metaphor Enzo articulates, we see the theme of perseverance clearly demonstrated.

Denny, Enzo, and Trish all show incredible resilience throughout the novel. Enzo’s story constantly reinforces the power of belief. Enzo knows that he has a human soul, and he constantly tells us that he will become human. He also believes he is a great driver and often uses the techniques of drivers, such as visualizing the course before settling to sleep. Along with belief, Denny, Enzo, and Trish embody the theme of perseverance. No matter how difficult the odds are or how weary they might become, they all constantly assure themselves that they will never step away from the race that is unfolding in their lives. Denny does not let the inconceivable torture he endures destroy his love for racing. He shows more dedication and never loses sight of his dreams, even with the long legal battle to clear his name and gain custody of his daughter. He “knows for sure that persistence and commitment will get him what he deserves” and shows understanding when Enzo cannot figure out his human preoccupation with such a backward life.

4. The Relationship Between Humans and Animals

Stein observes that this family was strong because “they acted like a natural family. The fundamental core. All of their action was based on the execution of trust, love, and commitment. They were natural. The dogs were a constant, unmistakable reminder that they were not something else.” He believes that animals help people find their own identity and our place in the world. Although animals frequently appear in works of both Greek and Elizabethan playwrights, reflecting themes and subplots about relationships between humans and animals, Stein believes that animals have been largely absent from literature in the last century. He would like to tilt that balance in the other direction, and books such as The Call of the Wild, Black Beauty, Old Yeller, The Black Stallion, Sounder, Where the Red Fern Grows, and his own book, The Art of Racing in the Rain have all contributed to that effort.

The fourth of the five universal themes that Garth Stein addresses in The Art of Racing in the Rain was inspired by “a family of dogs I knew years ago.” The following is an excerpt from his website: “The parents were two humans, two kids, a couple of cats, and a pair of dogs. The family was one of the most beautiful, alive, and joyous families I have ever known. What struck me the most about the family was a transparency – that they were not hiding behind the typical secrets families hide behind, for fear that the neighbors would find out. The parents were not the least bit interested in what the neighbors might think, but the kids could care less about it. The end result was an incredible life, full of love and laughter. The dogs were a large part of what they were. Warm, loyal, silly, sometimes dog-slobbery, they were a constant reminder of the natural order of things.”

5. Conclusion and Impact of the Novel

Ultimately, “The Art of Racing in the Rain” left me spellbound with its beauty and life lessons. I came across this novel at an unexpected moment, a time when I was in need of some learning myself. We are a generation of witnesses. Sadness lingers inside till it finds an opening and seeps through. Art, at its best, teaches, cures, liberates. Keeps the heart growing. “The Art of Racing in the Rain” is a story of love, loss, redemption, and hope. It’s not for dog people only. It’s for anyone who’s experienced the deeply unselfish love from another human being as well as a pet. If you haven’t lived it yet, you will. One day, you will.

In conclusion, “The Art of Racing in the Rain” is a beautiful love story, the love between a dog and his people. The people are such strong characters, the reader has a clear picture of each person the dog meets and the dog makes you want to sit up and cheer. He’s funny and he’s insightful, clumsy and lovable all at once. More than just the story of a man and his dog, it’s a novel about the struggle to keep families together during times of pain and loss. Stein’s characters are easy to love and the story is emotionally charged.