John Purcell is working in a real estate company, along with being a father, a former soldier, and a drunkard. As a former soldier he is accustomed to being in harsh conditions, which affects his personality, hence, making him a harsh father. After the war he had taken up drinking constantly, every day. The father “had been too harsh with [his son], and at times he had been curt and impatient” making him inconsiderate and a terrible father. Since he doesn't try to understand who his son is, or what his son's interests
