Waldo's Transformation

I have being thinking about Bonaparte's treatment to the children and the impact. We talked in class about every novel needs a bastard to add conflict and to give the characters something to rise about. I agreed with that...the idea that Bonaparte is the first major struggle they all encounter in their young lives.

Bonaparte also puts an ends to Waldo's mystical view of the world. Before Bonaparte, Waldo believes there is love and fairness in the world, as long as he is faithful. The believer dies with Bonaparte's departure and Waldo has a different view of the world.

Lyndall is so independent that Bonaparte is unsure of her. She challenges him by exposing his lies and punishes Em, because is is afraid of Lyndall. Lyndall shows no interest in religion. She believes that she must rely on herself to survive and rewarded by escaping Bonaparte unscathed.

Bonaparte is a sadistic liar. His character is the opposite of Waldo's, who appears more God-fearing. By the end of Bonaparte's visit, Waldo seems calm and at peace with himself. He has no fear of Bonaparte because of his mew view on the world. This is an important phase in his maturity. I agree with Christine, that he is the most interesting character in the novel.