In groups discuss for 12 minutes

Mr. Putnam as a father

Mr. Putnam was a doting and caring father. His son, Freddie, was a differently abled child, and Mr. Putnam was fully aware of the fact that he could not resort to average and usually ways to educate or even nurture his son into growing at the pace of the world. He knew very well that Freddie required additional warmth, concern and patience in his formative years.

Like any other father who desires the goodwill of his children, Mr. Putnam wished for a better future for Freddie. He knew this was possible only through education. Freddie, however, was not as quick to learn or understand as other kids his age. We hear Mr. Putnam saying, “There hasn’t been a school invented that’s right for him.”

The loving and doting father that he is, Mr. Putnam is also very protective about his son. He knows that the world outside would either mock his son for his disabilities, or pity him for the same; he didn’t desire either of the two for his son. Both the scenarios, he knew, would only shatter his son’s confidence and morale.

Mr. Putnam also says, “I’ve built this world for Freddie”. He has, in his own means, built a safe heaven for his special child, for he is scared the outside world shall not be so kind to him. To him, Freddie is his life, and “this is all the world he needs”. Besides being protective, there is also a sense of fear in his tone for his son.

Mr. Putnam is a very caring father, whose life revolves around his son alone, after the death of his wife. He is ready to do anything to give his son a better life, keep him protected and safe, and give away everything he earns to keep his son’s world going. He is desperate to find a teacher to teach Freddie, for he has always been home-schooled. Mr. Putnam is a doting, protective and a slightly insecure father.