Dunstan Ramsay and Percy “Boy” Staunton have a disjointed relationship throughout the novel Fifth Business. Boy is Dunstan’s oldest friend, however, Dunstan never forgot an incident in which Boy meant to hit a stone covered in snow at Dunstan. It changed Dunstan’s life negatively, as he carried guilt for the damage done to the life of the person that the stone hit. Mary Dempster gave birth prematurely, and as a result the child, Paul Dempster, was born with deformities. While, Dunstan sees Boy as a terrible person with only a few redeeming qualities, there are three similarities between both individuals that prove they have more in common than these friends/enemies may want to admit. Firstly, Dunstan and Boy have the same attitude towards
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However, as they grew, Dunstan and Boy both wanted to leave their past behind them. They grew up and lived in Deptford, which is a town that both Dunstan and Boy do not particularly care for. Deptford is described as a small town that consists of a population of five hundred people. It was a place meant for regular people, and Boy never wanted to be a regular person. He is described as a person who, “made himself out of nothing,” (Davies 103). His parents are described as charmless and dull, making Deptford the perfect place for them, however Boy, “lived high,” (Davies 105). Dunstan’s issue with Deptford has more to do with its inhabitants. Dunstan’s constant curiosity contrasts the closemindedness of the residents, which is most evident with their treatment of Mrs. Dempster. The town isolated and conversed behind the backs of Mrs. Dempster and Paul Dempster, and soon Dunstan for aligning himself with them. For example, one student, Milo, stated, “Dunny’s got to get right over to the bughouse and cut the grass,” (Davies 25). Even, the “school buffoon” poked fun at Dunstan during this time, illustrating the town’s closeminded view at Mrs. Dempster, a person with a mental disability. Deptford has shown a lack of growth and knowledge that Dunstan and Boy aspire to. Dunstan and Boy’s eagerness to escape their past leads to a rebirth for both men that occurs after the war. Boy begins the novel as an unmotivated person who was spoiled by his wealthy parents. During his relationship with Leola, he cheats on her with Mabel Heighington, highlighting his poor morals, and his treatment of Paul Dempster highlighted his lack of compassion. After the war, however, Percy is described differently, as he has, “flowered brilliantly,” (Davies 102). His lack of motivation turned into an aspiration to become the Prince of Wales, and changes his name from Percy to Boy. He made short-term investments in the stock market that
However, as they grew, Dunstan and Boy both wanted to leave their past behind them. They grew up and lived in Deptford, which is a town that both Dunstan and Boy do not particularly care for. Deptford is described as a small town that consists of a population of five hundred people. It was a place meant for regular people, and Boy never wanted to be a regular person. He is described as a person who, “made himself out of nothing,” (Davies 103). His parents are described as charmless and dull, making Deptford the perfect place for them, however Boy, “lived high,” (Davies 105). Dunstan’s issue with Deptford has more to do with its inhabitants. Dunstan’s constant curiosity contrasts the closemindedness of the residents, which is most evident with their treatment of Mrs. Dempster. The town isolated and conversed behind the backs of Mrs. Dempster and Paul Dempster, and soon Dunstan for aligning himself with them. For example, one student, Milo, stated, “Dunny’s got to get right over to the bughouse and cut the grass,” (Davies 25). Even, the “school buffoon” poked fun at Dunstan during this time, illustrating the town’s closeminded view at Mrs. Dempster, a person with a mental disability. Deptford has shown a lack of growth and knowledge that Dunstan and Boy aspire to. Dunstan and Boy’s eagerness to escape their past leads to a rebirth for both men that occurs after the war. Boy begins the novel as an unmotivated person who was spoiled by his wealthy parents. During his relationship with Leola, he cheats on her with Mabel Heighington, highlighting his poor morals, and his treatment of Paul Dempster highlighted his lack of compassion. After the war, however, Percy is described differently, as he has, “flowered brilliantly,” (Davies 102). His lack of motivation turned into an aspiration to become the Prince of Wales, and changes his name from Percy to Boy. He made short-term investments in the stock market that