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Unsheltered


A timely novel that explores the human capacity for resiliency and compassion.
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What family dynamics might have made Tig and Zeke so different and combative, while Jorge and his siblings are close and supportive?

Created: 10/16/18

Replies: 3

Posted Oct. 16, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 3442

What family dynamics might have made Tig and Zeke so different and combative, while Jorge and his siblings are close and supportive?

What family dynamics might have made Tig and Zeke so different and combative, while Jorge and his siblings are close and supportive?


Posted Oct. 31, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
JLPen77

Join Date: 02/05/16

Posts: 362

RE: What family dynamics might have made Tig and Zeke so different and combative, while Jorge and his siblings are close and supportive?

Perhaps having more siblings makes it easier to recognize the need for sharing, for tolerating differences, forgiving slights, and so on, and above all, easier for parents not to play favorites or develop a set of expectations around each child.

I'm familiar with that phenomenon as my mother, meaning to honor our individuality no doubt despite our closeness in age, always introduced me as her "bookworm, her quiet one" and my sister as "her daredevil," and that had an impact on how we saw ourselves and got along --NOT. I made a point of not doing that with my two daughters, and they became the best of friends. Same with my two stepsons, with my twin nieces, and with my two granddaughters. I have to conclude from Willa's conversation with Tig that despite her efforts, Tig knew (like I believe my sister did) that her eager-to-please, responsible, adult-oriented son was preferred to her adventurous self. Not because he was a boy, but because of his personality, being easier to manage. Tig was able to make the best of herself, and eventually to articulate her experience to her mother. My sister did not, and I am now realizing this is probably why she never quite "grew up," acting out, always looking for money and placing demands on my parents, into their old age, as a substitute for a sense of approval. They loved us both, and meant well, and I'm certain they didn't realize that we both internalized these early, strong images and expectations.


Posted Nov. 01, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
veronicaj

Join Date: 05/25/17

Posts: 21

RE: What family dynamics might have made Tig and Zeke so different and combative, while Jorge and his siblings are close and supportive?

Tig and Zeke came from a privileged family. Parents to care and feed them, provide schooling. They may have been in competition for parental attention? With Jorge, the siblings were taking care of one another. They bonded together to survive and create a life.


Posted Dec. 10, 2018 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
windellh

Join Date: 11/05/17

Posts: 72

RE: What family dynamics might have made Tig and Zeke so different and combative, while Jorge and his siblings are close and supportive?

Tig and Zeke came from an educated family that believed knowledge was power where Jorges' family was taught compassion and brotherhood.


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