Child is the Father of Man Katie Julia

Thesis Children who have traumatic experiences involving their parents can have trouble becoming stable, well-adjusted adults

Arrives in Whistle Stop Smokey “He had never touched her, except to shake her hand. He had never held or kissed her, but he had been true to her alone.” (Flagg 349) Witnesses mom’s death Oct. 29 1929 Arrives in Whistle Stop July 24 1955 Attends Idgie’s trial Birth 8 years old Dad is taken away 13 years old Runs away Dec. 3 1938 Meets teenage hobo Jan. 26 1969 Death “Bernice went to live with a neighbor, and Smokey stayed at his uncle’s house. Then, when he was thirteen, he headed down the railroad tracks to nowhere, and never came back.” (Flagg 16)

Frank “[Frank’s] left [eye] was the only one with even a glimmer of human compassion in it.” (Flagg 177) Dec 13 1930 Tries to take Stump; Death Aug 4 1928 Meets Idgie Discovers mother’s affair Birth Sept 21 1928 Ruth leaves Frank Father abuses him Nov 1 1924 Marries Ruth; Rapes her Nov 22 1930 Sees Stump for first time “His father [was] a bull of a man who thought nothing of knocking Frank out of a chair or kicking him down the stairs.” (Flagg 175)

Venn Diagram Frank Smokey -poor relationships with parents as children Mother cheats on husband and Father is abusive Mother killed and Father arrested -can’t maintain stable relationships -runs away -becomes homeless -alcoholic -weary -keeps to himself -socially inept -shy -abusive -violent -psychopathic -inferiority complex -have little self-control -hates women -insecure -irresponsible

BUT… Ninny?

Discussion Examples Other characters who lack strong relationships with their parents: Batman (Batman) Severus Snape (Harry Potter) Katniss Everdeen (Hunger Games) Mr. Crocker (Fairly Oddparents) Dr. Gregory House (House)

Thank You! Any questions?