Natalie

Miss Transue

9CP English E-5

12 January 2012

Like Father, Like Son 

When you think of a father and son you think of two guys strongly connected. The saying “Like father like son” comes to mind. They would talk of life, they would do things together, and they will show emotion towards each other. This was not the case with Will and his father's relationship in the beginning of the novel, ‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’ by Ray Bradbury, but towards the end of the book it started to adjust. Will and his father's connection grew throughout the book because they began to talk about life, they would interact, and they would show emotion towards each other.

 

Will and his father didn't talk very much towards the beginning of the book. His father was at the library most of the time, so Will didn't spend a lot of time with him. They only talked at the library and Jim was almost always present. When the carnival arrived and Will and Jim became a target Will was finally able to talk to his father. His father and him began having long talks. One starting with "'Dad, Am I a good person?' "I Think so, I know so, yes'" (Bradbury 134) they did not stop at discussing just books anymore they actually discussed life. That broke boundaries for them. They did not have to hold back from actually talking now they were comfortable. Though some would say the two talked quite a bit. On Will and Jim's weekly adventures to the library they would converse with Will's father. They would discuss which books to get or what kind of books they would read. The father knew what books his son read, so it is possible to say that he knows his son well, but that is incorrect. Will's father is mainly being a good librarian not a good father. That is mainly the only conversation the two would have.

 

Before the carnival had arrived, Will and his father rarely saw each other. His father was constantly working at the library, and Will was always running about with Jim or in school. After the Carnival arrived and the two started talking and they began to do certain things together. "... and sat up in the sill, same size, same weight... and sat one instant longer, eyes bright with each other and wet with love." (Bradbury 139) They had climbed a ladder together and sat resting much the same, like father like son. It is possible to say that they did interact before. When in the library or just randomly, but that wasn’t true. They did not interact like a father should with his son. Also, after that night on the ladder their connection improved. They had actually done something together, and enjoyed it highly. They were not afraid to interact anymore.

 

With little talking and interaction it is simple to conclude the two really do not show emotion towards each other. Their slightly awkward relationship could not handle it. However, when Will and his father started talking and interacting that changed. The carnival had caused them to grow closer. In a dire attempt to stop his father Will yelled '"Oh, Dad, Dad, I don't care how old you are, ever! I don't care what, I don't care anything! Oh Dad!" he cried, weeping "I love you!"' (Bradbury 256) This proved that their relationship had evolved and they could actually connect on a different level. Some may think it can be normal for two men not be emotional towards each other. They might not be that emotional, but they are father and son. It should be able to said simply and with out complaint with family. Luckily they had grown to be able to say it. Before they would have cringed away from the words. They were no longer two unfamiliar people, but a father and son. 

 

Will and his father’s relationship blossomed remarkable throughout the book. They went from being awkward and foreign to loving and together. They would discuss life, they actually would do things, and they were willing to show each other they cared. It is pretty remarkable how much they had changed. Think of someone you wish you were closer with and get close to them. It could change you for the best.

Works Cited

Bradbury, Ray. Something Wicked This Way Comes. New York, NY: William Morrow, 1962.

Print.