I think Chris was one of those people who could never be content with material things. He could be content with something the natural world provided, but not something man made. While he understood the value of companionship, he was comfortable on his own. "He could be alone without being lonely" (page 107). 44
The long train of events that lead up to Chris's abandonment of his family and taking up a new name and life started with his finding out about his father's previous marriage. What bothered him most was not the fact that his mother was a second wife, or even the fact that he was born through an extramarital affair, but the fact that his father tried to cover it up. It wasn't until his father had another child with his first wife, Marcia, that his lies were exposed and he tried to cover everything up with more lies. 132
"Chris was the sort of person who brooded about things. If something bothered him, he wouldn't come right out and say it." (pages 121-122)
My impression of Chris has changed since I discovered more about his past. I feel he was more stupid than I previously thought. Just because your father has a divorce and marries another woman, your mother, is no reason to hate him. While I do not believe Chris actually hated his father, I don't believe he had many kind feelings toward him. 194
While I understand Chris was mildly ashamed at having parents who are richer, I believe that was no reason to forsake his life with them. He could have done more in the way of philanthropy if he had stayed with his family and not gone tramping across the country. 243
After learning more about Chris's past I feel I better understand the decisions he made later. 260 words
(sorry this was late; i had it typed on time. apparently I didn't save it correctly, so it didn't show and got deleted.)
The long train of events that lead up to Chris's abandonment of his family and taking up a new name and life started with his finding out about his father's previous marriage. What bothered him most was not the fact that his mother was a second wife, or even the fact that he was born through an extramarital affair, but the fact that his father tried to cover it up. It wasn't until his father had another child with his first wife, Marcia, that his lies were exposed and he tried to cover everything up with more lies. 132
"Chris was the sort of person who brooded about things. If something bothered him, he wouldn't come right out and say it." (pages 121-122)
My impression of Chris has changed since I discovered more about his past. I feel he was more stupid than I previously thought. Just because your father has a divorce and marries another woman, your mother, is no reason to hate him. While I do not believe Chris actually hated his father, I don't believe he had many kind feelings toward him. 194
While I understand Chris was mildly ashamed at having parents who are richer, I believe that was no reason to forsake his life with them. He could have done more in the way of philanthropy if he had stayed with his family and not gone tramping across the country. 243
After learning more about Chris's past I feel I better understand the decisions he made later. 260 words
(sorry this was late; i had it typed on time. apparently I didn't save it correctly, so it didn't show and got deleted.)