The portrayal of the parent/guardian relationship in Hector Hugh Munro’s “Sredni Vashtar” and John Collier’s “Thus I Refute Beelzy” demonstrates the devastating effects on Conradin’s and small Simon’s well being due to neglect. The sole- purpose of a parent/guardian relationship is to provide the child with protection, nourishment, continuous affection, and an adequate amount of freedom. The failure to provide these four essential elements affects children psychologically and physically.
To begin with, both Conradin and Small Simon in “Sredni Vashtar” and “Thus I Refute Beelzy” (respectively), dearth protection from their guardian and parents (Munro & Collier). Although Mrs. de Ropp takes on the responsibility as Conradin’s guardian, her callous personality restrains her from providing Conradin with an ample amount of protection. Protecting a child by means of providing shelter is by far one of the most important aspects of being a parent or guardian. Even though Mrs. de Ropp provides Conradin with a home, it is still unsafe to be near his guardian as she is of vicious nature. In fact, Conradin manages to find “haven” in a small tool shed in his backyard (Munro). The irony is that Mrs. de Ropp’s home is described as having warmth, however, the rusty, small tool shed provides Conradin with more warmth, comfort and protection than his own home. Mrs. de Ropp’s personality further begins to disrupt Conradin’s source for protection, and in turn Conradin cannot psychologically grow, as it has become rather hard when lacking a safe environment to express oneself. Conradin’s insufficient protection can be proven when he befriends a ferret and names it Sredni Vashtar, who he also worships as God. While Mrs. de Ropp should be Conr...
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... imagination, which was rampant under the spur of loneliness, he would have succumbed long ago.” (Munro). Although restricted from freedom, Conradin manages to use his imagination; something which his guardian has no power over, to use when he is forbidden from visiting the tool shed (Munro). Although Mrs. de Ropp is unaware of Conradin using his imagination, Mr. Carter confronts Small Simon and makes it very clear that imagination is unhealthy, as it is not rational thinking. Taking away the power of imagination is taking away freedom that every child is entitled to.
In conclusion, Conradin and Small Simon are deprived of safety, nourishment, affection and freedom.
Works Cited
Collier, John. N.p.: n.p., n.d. John Collier's Story: Thus I Refute Beelzy. Web. 01 Dec. 2013.
Munro, Hector H. N.p.: n.p., n.d. Short Stories of Saki. Web. 01 Dec. 2013.
Justin, a boy who was raised in a dog cage until the age of five, suffered similar neglect as those mentioned earlier. Justin was kept in a dog cage and rarely interacted with his caregiver, who lacked the attachment bond needed for later development; his only attachment came from dogs (). In regards to the four factors that help strengthen the attachment between a child and caregiver, contemporary factors played a role in this situation. Contemporary factors are influenced by the abilities of an adult needed to provide a strong and stable attachment (). Justin was left in the care of his grandmother, but when his grandmother passed away, he was left in the care of Arthur, the grandmother’s boyfriend Arthur. Arthur was an elderly man who never had children and was limited on how to raise a child. Other contemporary factors such as the confidence and self-control needing to raise a child carry over into the child’s attachment development (). Within Connor’s case, he suffered neglect from birth to 18 months (). Connor had been neglected throughout all stages of development, which in result limited his ability to form a secure attachment and be able to rely on others for support and comfort. Connor was left alone throughout the day, creating an inconsistent and unstable perspective on how
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