Chapter 16, In a Pig's Ear, Sweety-Pie! Summary

Patrick admits that he flaunted his flamboyant attire more than was necessary. He remembers how his dad, Father Bernard, avoided him at all cost - often taking out-of-the-way routes around town in order to avoid Patrick, who only wanted his father's affection. Patrick remembers when he found out about the 'Mickey money,' which was a local term for the blackmail money given to Whiskers for keeping Patrick's background a secret. When Patrick finds out about this money, he begins tearing Rat Trap Mansions apart and screaming at Whiskers. When he settles down, Caroline and Frank, her boyfriend, give Patrick twenty dollars.

Chapter 16, In a Pig's Ear, Sweety-Pie! Analysis

Patrick seems preoccupied with his father, and fatherhood is introduced as a theme in this story. It is quite ironic that his father is...