The Separation Theory developed by Dr. Robert Firestone, represents a broadly based, coherent system of concepts that show how early interpersonal pain, separation anxiety, and later death anxiety lead to the development of powerful psychological defenses. These defenses take place in an attempt to cope and minimize painful experiences and emotions suffered in one's developmental years. These mechanisms can be directly represented by the character of Chris in Laurence’s short story, as his internal struggles take a hold on his mental health and well-being. One thing that sets humans apart from animals and other creatures is the ability to feel love and compassion for others. When this quality gets damaged, we lose the part of ourselves that …show more content…
This dynamic character undergoes many central changes throughout the story as he attempts to escape the evils of his life and the world that is set in the time of recovery after the Great Depression. In the beginning of the story he moves in with his grandparents in Manawaka and spends time with his younger cousin Vanessa. As he gets this quality time with his cousin, she learns that he is a very kind, creative, and imaginative young man, but as time goes on his personality gets influenced by the hardness of his life. Chris had many internal conflicts that he struggled with on a daily basis and this took a major toll on his well-being and mental capacity. Chris becomes aware of his suffering and seeks help from his closest ally, Vanessa. He begins to lose sight of hope for a brighter future when he speaks with Vanessa and states his belief and disappointment in God. Through Chris’s quote, “But about God, though- if there’s a war, like it looks there will be, would people claim that was planned? What kind of God would pull a trick like that?”. People who hold themselves to a religion see God as a gracious father, giving gifts such as protection, healing, peace, joy, strength and wisdom. Chris loses sight of this belief because of the times of hardship that he’s had to go through and this makes him question why such a powerful figure would allow him to reach …show more content…
As he still seeks to form a close relationship with Vanessa, he feared that he would not be able to do so if he showed the truth of his life. Chris found himself trading in his true reality for an alternative mind universe that he knew he could rely on, in times of difficulty. Creating these false fassinations and scenarios was an easier alternative than having to confront his struggles such as continuously being criticized by Vanessas grandparents and losing his dad at an early age. He seemed to form this bond with his younger cousin and he admired the ways that he was viewed from her stance. He was ashamed of his real life, so he made up this impressive world that he had convinced her that he was a part of. Chris is not proud of who he is or where he comes from, so he lies for his approval of his image from others. When Vanessa questions him about his life up North, he tells Vanessa about his two pet horses. “… it’s made out of trees grown right beside the lake. … we’ve got two riding horses, Duchess and Firefly. I raised them, and you should see them. Really sleek, know what I mean? I bet I could make racers out of them.” When Vanessa later on comes to visit shallow creek, she is struck with the realization that his description was an exaggeration and she is underwhelmed to see the normalization of his horses, as one is limp and the other