To What Extent Are The Adults Responsible For The Death Of Kingshaw
To what extent are the adults responsible for the death of Kingshaw?
Parents are the foundation of a child’s happiness and security. In the novel ‘I’m the King of the Castle’ by Susan Hill, the impact of the lack of attention from parents are heavily emphasised, with the resulting outcome with the tragic death of Kingshaw. To a large extent, the adults are responsible for the death of Kingshaw as he lack of attention leaves a child insecure, isolated and in despair.
The reader is aware of Mr Hooper’s lack of control over Hooper, resulting in Hooper’s harsh actions. Hooper’s poor relationship with his father is established from the beginning of the novel, as ‘he thought, I have more to regret about my own son than he had about me.’ Mr Hooper’s ‘regret’ have largely fallen upon Hooper, who has been exposed to the negativity surrounding Mr Hooper. Therefore to a certain extent, Mr Hooper is responsible Hooper’s dark and isolated personality. Furthermore, Hooper’s lack of a motherly figure builds upon Mr Hooper’s responsibility towards Hooper, but Mr Hooper is self conscious that ‘he knew he had failed, from the very beginning, to ingratiate himself with Edmund.’ The reader sympathise with Hooper for his lack of a parental figure, as Hooper’s isolation and reclusion from his parents have been the source of his troubles. Furthermore, the word ‘ingratiate’ is powerful in this context as it shows Mr Hooper’s lack of understanding towards the concept of loving a child as the sound of the word is cold and calculating. His lack of control over Hooper is shown when he tells him, ‘Do not answer me back please.’ This highlights Hooper’s lack of respect for his own father, and emphasises the sense that Hooper is free to do as he pleases, including treating Kingshaw as he wants, ultimately making him responsible for Kingshaw’s death. Mr Hooper feels some responsibility towards Hooper’s actions as he thinks ‘Perhaps I should strike him,’ ‘I should assert myself.’ Mr Hooper’s lack
Parents are the foundation of a child’s happiness and security. In the novel ‘I’m the King of the Castle’ by Susan Hill, the impact of the lack of attention from parents are heavily emphasised, with the resulting outcome with the tragic death of Kingshaw. To a large extent, the adults are responsible for the death of Kingshaw as he lack of attention leaves a child insecure, isolated and in despair.
The reader is aware of Mr Hooper’s lack of control over Hooper, resulting in Hooper’s harsh actions. Hooper’s poor relationship with his father is established from the beginning of the novel, as ‘he thought, I have more to regret about my own son than he had about me.’ Mr Hooper’s ‘regret’ have largely fallen upon Hooper, who has been exposed to the negativity surrounding Mr Hooper. Therefore to a certain extent, Mr Hooper is responsible Hooper’s dark and isolated personality. Furthermore, Hooper’s lack of a motherly figure builds upon Mr Hooper’s responsibility towards Hooper, but Mr Hooper is self conscious that ‘he knew he had failed, from the very beginning, to ingratiate himself with Edmund.’ The reader sympathise with Hooper for his lack of a parental figure, as Hooper’s isolation and reclusion from his parents have been the source of his troubles. Furthermore, the word ‘ingratiate’ is powerful in this context as it shows Mr Hooper’s lack of understanding towards the concept of loving a child as the sound of the word is cold and calculating. His lack of control over Hooper is shown when he tells him, ‘Do not answer me back please.’ This highlights Hooper’s lack of respect for his own father, and emphasises the sense that Hooper is free to do as he pleases, including treating Kingshaw as he wants, ultimately making him responsible for Kingshaw’s death. Mr Hooper feels some responsibility towards Hooper’s actions as he thinks ‘Perhaps I should strike him,’ ‘I should assert myself.’ Mr Hooper’s lack