It is a father’s love for his daughter that leads to Luke's dilemma between pursuing the truth to doing what is just and right, and love of the daughter. "A Father's Story," by Andre Dubus explores the love of a father to his daughter that he is willing to protect her even if the process calls for him to sacrifice part of himself. To protect his daughter, the father is forced to undergo challenges, a conflict of the mind and his values. In the story, Luke Ripley who is the protagonist drops his core principles and ethical values purposely to protect his daughter. I agree that the central conflict in "A Father's story" is a betrayal of a friend's trust and personal values and ethics for the sake of love. Luke is struggling to strike a balance
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He did love them, but if it were them who had committed the crime, he would have watched them face the law. That would have been that. As much as Luke wants to protect his dear daughter, it is evident that the young man's family is greatly affected by this. Luke does not seem to be aware that someone will ever find out what happened. Luke has conflicting thoughts due to the weight of the effects the young man's death would have on Jenifer's future. Jennifer would be affected by Luke's decision either way. The young man's death would remain etched in her mind forever. Luke has a bit of an inner battle. Does he care what God will do? Is he aware of the punishment he is entertaining? I would say that the answer to both is most certainly, yes. While praying to God, Luke says “I love her more than I love the truth.” (Dubus, 117) Clearly, Luke is not focused on punishing his daughter. While Luke was quite aware that Jenifer was on the wrong side of the law, he was not ready to spill the beans. His love for his daughter does not excuse the crime or coverup. Even though he is a Christian and well-versed with ethical values and faith in God, Luke avoids the law by keeping the secret to himself. He is unwilling to tell anyone, even his friend whom he would typically confess this sort of thing to. He takes over the role of God, who is the final judge on who can decide on the consequences of the daughter's murder case. Luke chooses the consequences that will not separate him from his child. This does not mean she will not face judgement, but it will save her from earthly punishments for the
He did love them, but if it were them who had committed the crime, he would have watched them face the law. That would have been that. As much as Luke wants to protect his dear daughter, it is evident that the young man's family is greatly affected by this. Luke does not seem to be aware that someone will ever find out what happened. Luke has conflicting thoughts due to the weight of the effects the young man's death would have on Jenifer's future. Jennifer would be affected by Luke's decision either way. The young man's death would remain etched in her mind forever. Luke has a bit of an inner battle. Does he care what God will do? Is he aware of the punishment he is entertaining? I would say that the answer to both is most certainly, yes. While praying to God, Luke says “I love her more than I love the truth.” (Dubus, 117) Clearly, Luke is not focused on punishing his daughter. While Luke was quite aware that Jenifer was on the wrong side of the law, he was not ready to spill the beans. His love for his daughter does not excuse the crime or coverup. Even though he is a Christian and well-versed with ethical values and faith in God, Luke avoids the law by keeping the secret to himself. He is unwilling to tell anyone, even his friend whom he would typically confess this sort of thing to. He takes over the role of God, who is the final judge on who can decide on the consequences of the daughter's murder case. Luke chooses the consequences that will not separate him from his child. This does not mean she will not face judgement, but it will save her from earthly punishments for the