Power Of Doubt In Davon Loeb's Fighting The Tree

Jase Viera Professor Faulise ENG 1010 6 April 2024 The Power of Doubt in Davon Loeb’s “Fighting the Tree” Doubt is a powerful aspect of life that can control the way one may think and act. In the story, “Fighting the Tree” Davon Loeb goes through a situation in his early childhood where his stepfather is attempting to cut down a large tree in their yard. During this situation, Loeb seems to constantly be doubting himself and the relationship of his biological dad and stepfather. Loeb explores the theme of the effects and power of doubt throughout the text, which includes the doubt that his stepfather and dad will get along, self-doubt about him fitting in, and self-doubt of his usefulness. First off, Loeb seems to have the impression that his

Loeb states, “I thought it was because of Dad, though — that maybe the two of them didn’t like each other. Maybe, because they both loved Mom, they couldn’t be in the same room together” (23). The tone Loeb uses here creates a sense of doubt where he is not sure if they will enjoy each other’s company. After his father arrives and Loeb decides he wants to stay by his dad cutting down the tree, his father then offers to help his dad. Loeb finally starts to get rid of the original doubt and then states, “I looked at Mom, smiling uncontrollably, then shook my head” (24), in response to his dad asking if he was okay with them cutting down the tree together. Here Loeb correctly uses a small amount of imagery for the reader to picture in their mind that he has a locked smile on his face due to the emotions he is feeling. Loeb can get rid of the doubt that was making him worry so much and then finally shows his true emotion of glee, by using a unsure tone and a small amount of imagery. Next, Loeb has issues within himself, feeling that he does not fit into the kind of son that his dad wants him to

Dad would grow frustrated by my inability to follow directions” (21). This behavior from his dad created more and more doubt for Loeb and caused him to feel like he was not fitting into the standard of the perfect child for him. Along with this he wanted to be more like his father and not focus on what he wants for himself, and he stated, “It was who he was: a problem solver who thought everything through practically and pragmatically. I wanted to be like him, but in school I was terrible at word problems about width and length” (22). Loeb, having so much self-doubt about fitting into the person he thought his dad wanted him to be, blinded him from the fact that he should be taking part in activities that give him a sense of self-fulfillment. This led to Loeb thinking, “Maybe I wasn’t the son Dad wanted. Maybe, if he could have, he would have picked another kid, a son he could enjoy parenting” (22). Unfortunately, Loeb would most likely continue to grow up with these feelings due to the power of doubt. Then, there was the self-doubt Loeb had for not feeling like he could ever be useful in any situation. He constantly tried to help his dad out and get him all the supplies he needed while