In Dave's eyes, how has his father changed? Be specific.

David's father, Stephen, is beaten down by his wife and allows the abuse of David to continue. Stephen does occasionally make a feeble attempt to intervene but never has the will to follow through. It seems that Stephen only wants peace in his household. He isn't willing to put himself out in order to protect his son. It's unclear why Stephen continues to change his own attitude, though it's likely that his wife simply browbeats him into submission. Eventually, Stephen also blames David for being "bad", and bringing the wrath of Roerva down on the family. It's noteworthy that David later has a child of his own, and that he names the child Stephen.