Montag, 31. Januar 2011

Chapter Five - The first cut

What happens in the chapter
Dibs doesn't feel well waiting for a new family. Colm seems to grow stronger every day. He keeps on writing letters to his mother hoping to see her again some day. He is happy that no-one wants to adopt him.
Each day after dinner is punishing time. Mostly they boys are punished for unknown reasons. One day Colm and Dibs are called for punishment. Brother Brophy accuses the boys of telling lies about him trying to drown Dibs instead of teaching Dibs how to swim. Dibs starts crying and puts all the blame on Colm who takes to prevent the Brother from further beating Dibs. Dibs looks embarrassed and Colm forgives him. Later that night Colm awakes from the nightmare that makes him go sleepwalking. He had hurt himself during the dream but he doesn't want to tell the Matron when she cares for his wounds in her office. Later in his bed again he cannot hold the positive thought of his mother. Dibs comes to his mind, drifting away in the dark river.

Personal comments


This chapter shows how badly the children are treated by the Brothers who should be much more friendly towards the poor children. It is a quite strange but unfortunately rather often found behaviour in christian institutions in the past. I wonder how Dibs and Colm can escape from that situation