Comment: The father's behaviour towards Nick

Here, we will help you comment on Lewis’ behaviour towards Nick in the short story “Like Charlie” by John Boyne.

The father and the son are as different as they can get. Lewis is violent and an alcoholic. He bullies his younger son verbally and he becomes physically violent when Nick utters an adjective he does not like: ““It’s beautiful,” he said, forgetting for a moment that he wasn’t supposed to use that word. In an instant, Lewis struck him, sending his small body crashing across the boat in surprise.” (ll. 101-103)

It is more than clear that Lewis’ violent behaviour towards Nick is due to his idea that Nick is too feminine and not manly enough. Although the word is never uttered, it becomes obvious that Lewis believes that his younger son is gay. He cannot accept this idea and he opposes everything Nick does.

Initially, he hates the idea that his son is wearing monk-straps (elegant shoes) and he is verbally violent when he tells him to take them off. Then, he is enraged because Nick ...