Everything you need to understand or teach Circus in the Attic by Robert Penn Warren.
Warren's most obvious theme is Bolton Lovehart's struggle against the constricting force of his mother's love, and his inability to liberate himself from his attachment to his mother and Bardsville.
This theme is developed in a number of actions which demonstrate Bolton's futile rebellion.
First, there are Lovehart's youthful attempts to break away from home and the power of Mrs. Lovehart. As a twelve year old, he forgets about belonging to the Episcopal...