Caesar, the chained dog in"A New England Nun"by Mary Wilkins Freeman in 1891, has become the spotlight of dis?cussion since its publication. Most critics have equated it with Louisa Ellis's solitary spinsterhood rather than seeing it as a symbol of patriarchy. However, based on the close reading approach, a careful analysis of Caesar reveals that it is a symbol of patriarchy for its close connection with Joe Dagget. And the imprisonment of Caesar is of great significance to Louisa, unveiling her steadfast de?termination to break the shackle of patriarchy.