Setting
This time of day, once Larry's private moment with his mother, becomes shared and contested after his father's return.
What is the morning?
Larry's mother tries to balance her attention between Larry, his father, and this new baby.
Who is Sonny?
Larry's changing feelings show this theme about growing up and gaining perspective.
What is coming of age?
This major historical event influences the father's long absence.
What is World War l?
Larry starts to see his father as this kind of figure rather a hero.
What is a rival?
This event forces Larry to mature emotionally.
What is the birth of his baby brother?
This is where Larry starts to feel animosity towards his father.
What is the park?
Larry is shocked when his father does this after returning home.
What is stays in bed with his mother in the mornings?
What is empathy / other people's feelings?
Frank O'Conner uses this setting feature, where Larry spends time alone with his mother during his father's absence, to symbolize childhood intimacy and exclusion.
What is the bedroom?
Larry prays to God asking for this to happen to his father.
What is for him to get sent back to war?
The theme of "My Oedipus Complex" is this.
What is Jealousy?
What is the loss of childhood innocence?
What is the struggle for attention?