Chapter 6, While Father is Away Summary and Analysis

Father began spending less time at home after the stabbing, taking away Dave's last hope of protection. When Father was home, it became his habit to do the dishes with Dave, taking the time to speak to him. During these talks, Dave would often promise to be better and to do his work better. Father always assured him it was not his fault. Eventually, though, Mother told Father not to help Dave with the dishes. Father did not even put up an argument.

Father soon stopped spending any time at home, even on his days off. Father would come home for a few minutes to spend a minute talking to each child. Once, he told Dave how sorry he was, sending Dave into a terrible depressed fit. When Father was away once, Mother...