Lizzie Bright And The Buckminster Boy

Consider the relationship between Turner and his father in the novel. What major differences between them are apparent? How do Turner and his father deal with these differences? How does Turner’s relationship with his father affect his overall identity?

Teaching Suggestion: To prepare for this prompt, students might list the scenes in which key moments in the father-son relationship exemplify a strong emotion or a change in their judgement of one another. They might note these important moments on a relationship timeline and use highlighters to document the moments one feels a change of heart for the other. In the beginning of the novel, the Reverend and Turner clash on a variety of viewpoints; for example, his father forbids Turner from visiting Lizzie, since it would be received poorly by the leaders of the Phippsburg community. Turner begins to question his religious beliefs, along with his belief in his father as a pastor. The major change in their relationship occurs when Turner stands up to Mr. Stonecrop and maintains ownership of Mrs. Cobb’s house, an action that his father surprisingly supports. Reverend Turner then defends his son against Sheriff Elwell, a decision that leads to his death. Turner’s remarks in his father’s eulogy indicate that he respected his father and believed that his father was fighting against racism in the town.