Allen was Eber’s stepfather and initially was the “kindest man ever;” however, “once the suffering began, Allen had raged” towards his loved ones (Saunders 223). Allen struggles with his terminal illness for a while, emotionally harming Eber and his mother as a “diminished pale figure in a bed, shouting CUNT” (Saunders 224). Allen eventually dies, but his death is a reminder to Eber of the villainous disease that transformed Allen to “THAT,” as Eber referred to him. Eber contracts cancer similarly and is reminded of Allen’s illness; thus, he is intent on committing suicide to save his family the pain of watching his condition worsen. After witnessing Allen’s death and his degradation as a human, Eber became more empathetic as “he was a father [who could] ease the burdens of those he loves” (Saunders 224). Reminded of Allen in a such a horrific state, Eber wanted to “save the ones he loves from painful last images that endure for a lifetime” (Saunders 225). Allen’s death affected Eber in such a way that it made him more empathetic towards his loved ones, which is another example of how the theme of death was essential for Eber’s emotional
Allen was Eber’s stepfather and initially was the “kindest man ever;” however, “once the suffering began, Allen had raged” towards his loved ones (Saunders 223). Allen struggles with his terminal illness for a while, emotionally harming Eber and his mother as a “diminished pale figure in a bed, shouting CUNT” (Saunders 224). Allen eventually dies, but his death is a reminder to Eber of the villainous disease that transformed Allen to “THAT,” as Eber referred to him. Eber contracts cancer similarly and is reminded of Allen’s illness; thus, he is intent on committing suicide to save his family the pain of watching his condition worsen. After witnessing Allen’s death and his degradation as a human, Eber became more empathetic as “he was a father [who could] ease the burdens of those he loves” (Saunders 224). Reminded of Allen in a such a horrific state, Eber wanted to “save the ones he loves from painful last images that endure for a lifetime” (Saunders 225). Allen’s death affected Eber in such a way that it made him more empathetic towards his loved ones, which is another example of how the theme of death was essential for Eber’s emotional