Martha Ostenso wrote this story in the 1920’s set in Manitoba. Back then abuse was not heard of. If neighbours felt, there was something not right they may talk about it maybe even feel empathy but would go about their own business. This book is about a tyrant of a husband and father who creates dysfunction in the family and reigns his family in a cold calculating way in which they fear him. His tactics for control stems from being a master manipulator, threatens to exploit secrets and spiritually degrades his family. He brings such dysfunction to his family for his own selfish reasons and greed.
Caleb, the father, constantly manipulates to his own advantage. Caleb is a superficial character who speaks softly in a cruel manner. Throughout the book if he feels one of his children have disrespected him he will quietly tell his wife. This sets up manipulation as the children have learnt early on if they do not behave their mother will fall more of a victim to their father. Any decision that is made comes from him. His …show more content…
For example, he gains knowledge that a neighbour took from the churches strong box. He went to the family and slyly said he will keep their secret and will be ready to deal with some timber with them. Meaning he expects a good deal or he will exploit their secret. He also controls his wife, Amelia and their marriage to the point that Amelia is so fearful that she is willing to sacrifice her other children to protect her secret. “The fool foldeth his hands together and eateth his own flesh” pg.43 He keeps her secret as a threat to exploit it when needed or to be offered for something that benefits his manipulating, blackmailing behaviour. “He has some kind of threat he always makes to her – you’ve heard him – I’ve heard him… she’s afraid of what he’ll do. We can’t let him do it. You know we can’t [leave].” pg.
Caleb, the father, constantly manipulates to his own advantage. Caleb is a superficial character who speaks softly in a cruel manner. Throughout the book if he feels one of his children have disrespected him he will quietly tell his wife. This sets up manipulation as the children have learnt early on if they do not behave their mother will fall more of a victim to their father. Any decision that is made comes from him. His …show more content…
For example, he gains knowledge that a neighbour took from the churches strong box. He went to the family and slyly said he will keep their secret and will be ready to deal with some timber with them. Meaning he expects a good deal or he will exploit their secret. He also controls his wife, Amelia and their marriage to the point that Amelia is so fearful that she is willing to sacrifice her other children to protect her secret. “The fool foldeth his hands together and eateth his own flesh” pg.43 He keeps her secret as a threat to exploit it when needed or to be offered for something that benefits his manipulating, blackmailing behaviour. “He has some kind of threat he always makes to her – you’ve heard him – I’ve heard him… she’s afraid of what he’ll do. We can’t let him do it. You know we can’t [leave].” pg.