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For Today I Am a Boy


"A sharply written debut novel. A coming-of-age tale for our time."
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What does Peter's Chinese birth name " Powerful King" say about his role in the family? Could this be a projection of who the father is?

Created: 06/08/15

Replies: 6

Posted Jun. 08, 2015 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
tracyb

Join Date: 09/22/11

Posts: 102

What does Peter's Chinese birth name " Powerful King" say about his role in the family? Could this be a projection of who the father is?

I think that even if Peter had lived up to being the BOY that his father wanted, the only Powerful King in that house could be the father. A tyrant that wouldn't give up his role for anything.

Peter was powerful in the face of being cast out, he would still go to his true self if only in private at first.


Posted Jun. 08, 2015 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
marganna

Join Date: 10/14/11

Posts: 153

RE: What does Peter's Chinese birth name " Powerful King" say about his role in the family? Could this be a projection of who the father is?

His father wanted a son so desperately; when Peter was born all the hoped for dreams of the father were bestowed on Peter. Peter was the answer to the prayers of the family. He was the King!


Posted Jun. 11, 2015 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
mal

Join Date: 09/09/13

Posts: 164

RE: What does Peter's Chinese birth name " Powerful King" say about his role in the family? Could this be a projection of who the father is?

Clearly the males were dominant and superior, Peter was to be catered to by the females in the family. With a son the family continues. Evident early on Peter's father was a domineering force in this family. Peter's name was an indicator of expectations and role expected.


Posted Jun. 11, 2015 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
mariannes

Join Date: 12/17/12

Posts: 206

RE: What does Peter's Chinese birth name " Powerful King" say about his role in the family? Could this be a projection of who the father is?

I agree that Peter's name represented his father's hopes for him.


Posted Jun. 14, 2015 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Windsong

Join Date: 05/07/13

Posts: 105

RE: What does Peter's Chinese birth name " Powerful King" say about his role in the family? Could this be a projection of who the father is?

When Peter visits his father in his sick bed, he acknowledges to Peter that he is aware of his "weaknesses" and thanks him for not shaming him. Ironically he only felt that his father loved him when he was involved in the assault of Roger on Shauna. Throughout his life in that house and in Montreal, he struggles with his identity and is miserable and lonely. However, in his later years after the passing of his parents, it is the siblings love for Peter that reunites and provides a semblance of family.


Posted Jun. 14, 2015 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Windsong

Join Date: 05/07/13

Posts: 105

RE: What does Peter's Chinese birth name " Powerful King" say about his role in the family? Could this be a projection of who the father is?

When Peter visits his father in his sick bed, he acknowledges to Peter that he is aware of his "weaknesses" and thanks him for not shaming him. Ironically he only felt that his father loved him when he was involved in the assault of Roger on Shauna. Throughout his life in that house and in Montreal, he struggles with his identity and is miserable and lonely. However, in his later years after the passing of his parents, it is the siblings love for Peter that reunites and provides a semblance of family.


Posted Jun. 21, 2015 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
kathleenb

Join Date: 09/14/12

Posts: 111

RE: What does Peter's Chinese birth name " Powerful King" say about his role in the family? Could this be a projection of who the father is?

I think the father named his son Powerful King because he wanted to have him follow in his footsteps. Like Windsong I was so horrified by Peter's father being proud of his supposed attack on the little girl. Another message to Peter that he doesn't want to be a boy.


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