Personal Growth in In the Name of the Father Contention: In the Name of the Father is a story about Gerry Conlon’s personal growth, in which he went from an immature clown and petty thief to a mature man, fighting for his own freedom. This growth was a result of both his own and others doings. In the beginning Gerry Conlon was both immature and foolish · Gerry acts immaturely when he pretends to shoot Paul Hill. · Gerry and Paul act immaturely with their fellow squatters, instead of finding a job. · When Gerry steals from the prostitute he buys expensive clothes rather than using it to help find work. · Gerry acts childishly in prison, such as taking drugs and interrupting Guiseppe while he is praying. · “You saw him walking through that door looking like a bloody circus clown. Do you think he’d murder anyone?” – Gerry’s mother. · “Are you praying for the seventh cavalry?” – Gerry Gerry is a petty thief · At the beginning Gerry is stealing scrap metal even though the IRA had warned him three times before. · On the night of the Gilford bombings Gerry robs a prostitute and acts foolishly in her house. · “We’ve never had a thief in our family before” – Guiseppe · “Robbed a prostitute” Prosecution Lawyer. Gerry becomes more mature as he fights for his freedom · When Joe McAndrew attacks Barker Gerry realizes that this is not the appropriate way to fight for his freedom and tells Joe off. · Once his father dies Gerry acts prudently so as to fight for his freedom. · When Gerry goes to the new jail he no longer swears and peacefully rather than violently protests. · During the appeal Gerry sits quietly and observes court rules rather than yelling at witnesses as he had done in the original trial. · “you’re a brave man Joe” – Gerry · “this is a peaceful protest” – Gerry · “I know how to look people in the eyes without blinking” – Gerry