Elaine’s Father Character Analysis in Cat’s Eye

Elaine’s father, whose name is never shared. He works as an entomologist researching spruce budworms, but he wanted to be a pilot during World War II—his research was deemed essential to the war effort, however, so he was not allowed to sign up. He prefers the outdoors and loves working with his hands. He also loves talking about natural disasters over dinner, appearing to have an endless enthusiasm about the woes of the human race. He does not ascribe to organized religion. He also does not understand either of his children, and doubts Elaine’s decision to choose an impractical career as an artist. After Stephen dies, Elaine’s father seems to really fade until he dies of natural causes.

Elaine’s Father Quotes in Cat’s Eye

The Cat’s Eye quotes below are all either spoken by Elaine’s Father or refer to Elaine’s Father . For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

).

“Remember this,” our father says. “This is a classic infestation. You won’t see an infestation like this again for a long time.” It’s the way I’ve heard people talk about forest fires, or the war: respect and wonderment mixed in with the sense of catastrophe.

Related Characters: Elaine Risley (speaker), Elaine’s Father (speaker)

Page Number and Citation: 72

Explanation and Analysis:

My father has eaten everything on his plate and is digging for more stuffing in the cavity of the turkey, which resembles a trussed, headless baby. It has thrown off its disguise as a meal and has revealed itself to me for what it is, a large dead bird. I’m eating a wing. It’s the wing of a tame turkey, the stupidest bird in the world, so stupid it can’t even fly any more. I am eating lost flight.

Related Characters: Elaine Risley (speaker), Elaine’s Father

Page Number and Citation: 145

Explanation and Analysis:

Knowing too much about other people puts you in their power, they have a claim on you, you are forced to understand their reasons for doing things and then you are weakened.

Related Characters: Elaine Risley (speaker), Elaine’s Father

Page Number and Citation: 240

Explanation and Analysis:

Elaine’s Father Quotes in Cat’s Eye

The Cat’s Eye quotes below are all either spoken by Elaine’s Father or refer to Elaine’s Father . For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:

).

“Remember this,” our father says. “This is a classic infestation. You won’t see an infestation like this again for a long time.” It’s the way I’ve heard people talk about forest fires, or the war: respect and wonderment mixed in with the sense of catastrophe.

Related Characters: Elaine Risley (speaker), Elaine’s Father (speaker)

Page Number and Citation: 72

Explanation and Analysis:

My father has eaten everything on his plate and is digging for more stuffing in the cavity of the turkey, which resembles a trussed, headless baby. It has thrown off its disguise as a meal and has revealed itself to me for what it is, a large dead bird. I’m eating a wing. It’s the wing of a tame turkey, the stupidest bird in the world, so stupid it can’t even fly any more. I am eating lost flight.

Related Characters: Elaine Risley (speaker), Elaine’s Father

Page Number and Citation: 145

Explanation and Analysis:

Knowing too much about other people puts you in their power, they have a claim on you, you are forced to understand their reasons for doing things and then you are weakened.

Related Characters: Elaine Risley (speaker), Elaine’s Father

Page Number and Citation: 240

Explanation and Analysis: