The Willoughbys

The most prominent theme in the story relates to the family dynamics of its major characters and to the lack of love that exists between parents and children in this invented world. This narrative trend is based on common clichés in classic children’s literature, which often feature children overcoming the challenges of their neglectful and abusive situations. Even in the context of Lowry’s novel, the children are aware of their similarity to these characters and refer to such stories often, imbuing the narrative with a distinctly metafictional flavor. Because their parents do not care for them as they should, the children see themselves as being part of a wider stereotype that exists in the literary world. Mr. and Mrs. Willoughby only do what is necessary to avoid the attention of law enforcement and evade the possibility of being charged with neglect. They are deeply flawed parents who deny their children affection, serve them disgusting food, and regularly insult them. The rest of the time, they ignore them, hoping they will take care of themselves and stay out of their way.