ENGL 4310

So I know that "family dynamics" is not a "real" critical lens that we would learn in a critical theory class, but since we are using it to view these texts, I'm considering it an option for our lens/critical theory blog.

After reading "Revelation" and "Parker's Back" again with the intent to look for family dynamics, I was amazed to see how much the main characters struggle for power. In "Revelation" Mrs. Turpin controls her husband (she immediately tells him what to do when they enter the doctor's office). She also talks about how she would keep the doctor's office clean, "if she had anything to do with the running of the place" (634). Not to mention when the delivery boy comes in and she tells him about pushing the button to get the nurse (640). Perhaps that is why she is so baffled by the young girl...here is a girl that she can't order about, who doesn't respond the way she thinks they respond, but she isn't trash because she's educated...so what is she supposed to make of this young girl? She tries to put her below herself because the young girl is ugly, but other than that, Mrs. Turpin is having a hard time placing her into a category. Plus, the girl does something completely outrageous, and Mrs. Turpin has no idea what to do about it. She has no control over the situation, and that makes her incredibly uncomfortable, which also makes her think more about her situation, hence a revelation. (or something).

"Parker's Back" is also full of this power struggle. I think it's the main reason they stay together. Parker starts off trying to get the girl to acknowledge him by pretending to hurt his hand, but Sarah Ruth doesn't fall for it. Instead, she smacks him on the face, therefore asserting her power (656). Parker's says he goes back to see the Sarah Ruth the second time because "he was not to be outdone by anything that looked like her" (660). Parker is interested in Sarah Ruth because she has power over him. She holds the power and he wants it...but since he can't have it, he sticks around in hopes that he will one day get it.

Parker finally thinks he can put Sarah Ruth in her place by putting the tattoo of God on his back. He is ultimately convinced of this fact, but when he gets home and shows it to her, Sarah Ruth has asserted her power over him again by saying that he is idolatrous. Since this is certainly not the response he was expecting, "He sat there and let her beat him until she had nearly knocked him senseless" (674). He has now let go of his struggle for power because he realizes that she will always one-up him. Which, of course, could be why he is seen crying like a baby against a tree (675).

Now, of course this interpretation does not take into account any religious aspects, which are incredibly important, but as for family dynamics alone, I think this interpretation is pretty interesting, if I do say so myself.