Life with Father: Analysis of Major Characters
"Life with Father" is a play that humorously explores family dynamics through the character of Clarence Day, Sr., who is depicted as a domineering yet eccentric patriarch. He is quick-tempered and critical, often expressing his opinions loudly, particularly when it comes to matters of health and finances, which creates tension within the family. His wife, Vinnie Day, navigates her husband’s outbursts with a mix of scorn and cleverness, occasionally managing to outwit him despite his authoritative demeanor. The narrative is delivered by their eldest son, Clarence Day, Jr., who provides a unique perspective as he grapples with his father's temperament and his own identity, marked by his nearsightedness and a failed attempt to play the violin.
Supporting characters include the family's long-time cook, Margaret, and Clarence's two younger brothers, George and Julian, who add depth to the family portrait. Other figures, such as Cousin Julie and Miss Edna Gulick, contribute to the social landscape of the Day household, enhancing the interplay between family and external relationships. The play captures the complexities of familial love amidst discord, offering a comedic yet insightful look at the challenges of coexistence in a traditional family setting.
Life with Father: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Clarence Day, Jr.
First published: 1935
Genre: Nonfiction
Locale: New York City
Plot: Biography
Time: Late nineteenth century
Clarence Day, Sr., a domestic tyrant, critical, quick-tempered, and eccentric, who dominates his family, but not completely. Father (“Clare” to his wife) is a loud groaner when he himself is ill, but he has little sympathy with others' illnesses. Since he is a systematic businessman, he cannot understand his wife's dislike of figures and the keeping of household accounts. Companionable and popular with his chosen friends, he is dictatorial toward people he does not like. He enjoys his family despite all the complaints he makes about them.
Mrs. Clarence (Vinnie) Day, his wife, who puts up with Father's tantrums, sometimes ignoring them, at other times countering with scorn and illogic to exasperate and often defeat her noisy mate.
Clarence Day, Jr., the narrator, the nearsighted oldest son, who as a child suffers the misfortune of the name Clarence, vainly tries to play the violin, and is alternately entertained and frightened by Father's many explosions.
Margaret, cook in the Day household for twenty-six years.
George and Julian, younger brothers of Clarence, Jr.
Herr M., Clarence Jr.'s violin teacher.
Cousin Julie, Mrs. Day's favorite niece, who lives with the Days after finishing school.
Miss Edna Gulick, conductor of a current-events class attended by Mrs. Day.
Delia, a temporary cook who is quickly dismissed after Father complains about her.