Squat lions (Afterward)

Squat lions, also known as Fu Dogs are protector statues that were typically placed in front of the Chinese Imperial palaces, temples or government offices. They might also be found in front of wealthy homes as a status symbol of wealth and social status (Tchi).

Squat lions usually come in pairs because they complete each other. Upon closer inspection, one will notice that the lions are similar but not equal. The left one is female and the right one is male. This can be identified by looking at the paws of the lions. One paw is always slightly lifted and holding something. The male one holds an orb while the female lion holds a cub. This symbolizes what each of the lion protects. While both are protectors, the male lion is the protector of the home, of the domain. Meanwhile, the female lion is the protector of the family that lives inside the home (Tchi).

The squat lions at Lyng are mentioned once in the story and seem to be rather useless protectors, considering that Bob Elwell, as a ghost, passes by them without any sign of trouble (Wharton 348). The lions in the story seem to be more a symbol of wealth and status instead of being actually protectors, this might explain their failure to protect the Boynes. Then again one could think that the lions lost their effect due to the fact that evil was already at Lyng and that what Elwell intended was not necessarily evil, but pure justice instead.

• Tchi, Rodika. “Fu Dogs: Classical Feng Shui Protection Symbol”. The Spruce. Dotdash publishing family. 21. January. 2019. 15. June 2019 https://www.thespruce.com/classical-feng-shui-protection-symbol-fu-dogs-4121779

• Wharton, Edith. "Afterward". The Muse's Tragedy and Other Stories . Ed. Candace Waid. London: Penguin Books, 1992. 342-373. Print.

• Image 1: A pair of squat lions: http://smarxbc.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/fu-dog-statue-free-shipping-big-bronze-lion-foo-dog-guardian-beast-statue-pair-chinese-foo-dog-statues-for-sale.jpg (Retrieved 15/06/2019)