Father's Love

Growing up, every child longs for their father’s love and approval. If a child gains these gifts, his or her self-confident can grow exponentially. Emmy award winner Ray Bradbury highlights this assertion in his novel, Something Wicked This Way Comes. Bradbury tells of two boys who discover a magic carnival. One boy, Jim Nightshade, lives only with his mother, while his best friend, Will Halloway, resides with both parents. Although nine percent of children grew up with a single parent in the 1960s, Bradbury writes with admiration of Will’s father, Charles Halloway. The author describes Mr. Halloway as a brave and trustworthy man, two traits that I would like to embody. Bradbury first highlights these traits when the father confronts his son, stating “‘you didn’t steal anything’” (131). Through this blunt claim, Bradbury illustrates his unwavering trust in his son’s innocence. If I could embody Mr. Halloway, I would hope my assurance in my child’s character would remain just as steadfast. Again the author writes favorably of Mr. Halloway when the father tries to stop the evil Mr. Dark from finding Will and Jim by accusing him of acting “jumpy” (174). By criticizing the villain of acting obsessed over such innocence, Mr. Halloway leaves Mr. Dark irate. Bradbury indirectly characterizes Will’s father as brave for protecting the children, an action that I would hope to take for my child. The novelist further justifies Mr. Halloway’s integrity when he explains “I hate…not being able” (130). Although Bradbury expresses Halloway’s regret through the bitter diction “hate,” he highlights the man’s nobility when the father ignores his own troubles in order to help Will and Jim. The author applies this message to parents today to encourage them to protect their children from the evils of the world. In my life, I see men such as Mr. Halloway as everyday heroes that make a great difference in many lives. Although some men wish to return to the joy of youth, Bradbury emphasizes that protecting others will ultimately bring superior self-satisfaction than nostalgia ever could.