Structure Of The Family In Bernice Frieson's 'Brother Dear'

German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche believed, “[f]amily love is messy, clinging, and of an annoying and repetitive pattern, like bad wallpaper.” This ‘bad wallpaper’ perfectly describes the family dynamic created in Bernice Frieson’s short story, “Brother Dear.” Consequently, the family of the protagonist, aside from her brother, can be classified as the antagonists of the story. Sharlene, the protagonist, and her older brother Greg both have differing aspirations; however, they both face a similar obstacle in the way of their goals, their family. It is not a single member of their family that presents these challenges, but rather all of them in dissimilar ways. Firstly, the eldest son Dennis, unintentionally, puts rigid expectations on …show more content…
The parents undertake the role of the head of state, the children live amongst each other as the citizens, while the code of conduct set by the parents serve as the constitution. The mother in “Brother Dear” validates the type of government of the home in the story. It is a dictatorship, where Jack takes on the role of the ruler while the mother is, therefore, overpowered. This is an obstacle for Sharlene and Greg for the reason that the mother represents the views of the children, however, since she is overpowered, her children are as well. The mother is accountable for this obstacle because she just accepted the situation. Her acceptance is apparent with her mannerisms after an encounter between Greg and his father at the dinner table. Sharlene noticed that, “[m]om put her elbows on the table and rubs her head as if she’d like to take it off and put it in a bowl of cold water in a soundproof room” (Friesen 31). She is not interested in being amid the conflict due to the fact that she had succumb to the inability to persuade her husband long ago. Her reaction suggests that this conflict has occurred many times before, and that her attempt to defuse it has proved futile each time. If she had the aptitude of convincing Jack, she would eliminate the obstacle that Sharlene and Greg face of not receiving absolute approval from their family towards their dreams. Instead she, …show more content…
Regardless of the intent, these obstacles present in “Brother Dear” have placed disadvantages on Sharlene and Greg’s desires in life. Firstly, Dennis takes on the role of the ideal child in the eyes of his father. Consequently, any effort Sharlene and Greg have to alter their lifestyle from Dennis is viewed as a failure from their father. Secondly, the mother can be a representation of how dictatorships work. She has no influence within the home, and, unfortunately, she is the understanding parent. Finally, Jack, the father, offers minimum support for a future desired by his children that differs from his beliefs. Both Sharlene and Greg’s dreams differ from Jack’s views, and lose the emotional and financial support as a result. Obstacles to aspirations take on many forms, and “Brother Dear” examines a common, yet unrealized hindrance, the negative effects of family on