This story addresses the complexity of human nature. We see that the father in the story has awareness and is proud of not drinking habitually. We also know that he is aware of the consequences of his drinking. Let's also continue and see how the mother uses her son and what she does to try to foil the father. When we look at the father, we see how he reacts to the death of his neighbor, what the neighbor meant to him and how this tells us about the father's character. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay We see that he has a Christian belief and that one should do unto others. He feels he is expected to go and also seems to enjoy funerals. When we look at what happens to the son, we see the father's reaction to the drink and he doesn't take responsibility. He is embarrassed about what happened and his biggest regret is that he missed out on the fun because he had to take care of his son. He already knows what drinking does. The son doesn't know when his father says "never again". The son did not know whether he was talking about him or the alcohol, which indicates that there is no definitive answer whether the father drinks again or not. We have an innocent young man telling the story and reacting to what's happening. around him, which brings us to the topic. The theme of this story is that one can intentionally harm oneself to help a family member. When the mother lies next to her son and calls him her “guardian angel,” there is a sense that she knows she is relying on outside influences (God) to help her when it comes to her husband's drinking. He knows he is helpless and can do nothing to stop him from drinking. She is also as helpless as her husband when it comes to drinking. This may be the point the author is trying to make. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom article from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Although alcohol is prevalent and accepted in society, the author might suggest that it should be treated with caution. Something the son now knows after drinking for the first time. Rather than having a positive effect on the individual, the author may be implying that if not taken in moderation, it will not only change an individual, but will also have a negative effect on an entire family. Which seems to be the case with the family in the story. With the mother struggling in life due to her husband's drinking. At no point in the story is there any sense that she can trust her husband when it comes to drinking.