Romulus My Father

Romulus, My Father Essay Exploring Friendship Essay

The friendship between Romulus and Hora had more influence on Raimond's life than the absence of his mother. Discuss

Romulus, my father, written by Raimond Gaitor is an autobiographical novel exploring the much respected values and morals possessed by Raimond Gaitor's father Romulus as seen by Raimond growing up in rural Australia. Gaitor writes the novel in awe of his father and the steadfast principles he believed in. Throughout the novel it is clear that through both his father's teachings and the teachings of Romulus's closest friend Hora, the influences of both of these men throughout their lifelong friendship become apparent in the life of Raimond Gaitor, whilst the lacklustre maternal influence given by Christine during Raimond's childhood does not play as significant a role on Raimond's life.

Christine, Raimond's
Raimond Gaitor saw his father as a man of higher moral sensibility. There are many similarities in the character of both Romulus and Hora. Both men had two main moral requirements with which they passionately lived by. These being honesty and concern for one's neighbour. This becomes clear in both men by the way that Raimond is raised to be honest and the sacrifice placed on their own lives to care for Raimond. In recollecting upon his relationships with his father and Hora, Gaitor often writes in a tone of pride showing his appreciation for the way he was brought up by these two men. In writing of times where Romulus's mental illness was at its peak, Raimond reflects on his thoughts of the time that he should possibly move away from Frogmore. "I loved him too deeply and knew that after what we had shared at Frogmore, no quarrel could estrange us." Gaitor simply could not contemplate estrangement from his father after the influence he had already placed upon his