The Fifth Child

The Fifth Child

The word "monster" has many definitions. Some define it as a creature having a frightening or strange appearance. It is also defined as one that inspires horror or disgust. Ben certainly fits into all of these categories.

He was different right from pregnancy. He looks extremely frightening, almost like a Neanderthal. Ben is an outcast even in an institution for "nature's mistakes." From the moment Harriet became pregnant it was apparent to her that something was obviously wrong. She loved having children and had planned on a total of eight or perhaps even ten. However, something was different this time.

Early in the pregnancy, she began feeling ill. She had been keeping herself very busy in order not to feel the "demands" from the new being. It was unlike anything she had known before. At five months the pain was so intense that

Harriet began taking tranquilizers. Even during her pregnancy, Harriet began referring to Ben as the "monster." During a conversation with Dr. Brett after he refused to induce the baby, she is quoted as saying, "It's because you don't want to. It's not you who is carrying this" (She cut off monster afraid of antagonizing him.) (p. 47) At eight months she went into labor. Although she had never gone to the hospital before for her other deliveries, this time she insisted. This shocked everyone, especially her husband David.

Ben was not your typical baby. ...