Took: A Ghost Story

The impact of family conflict is a major theme in Took, as Daniel’s family struggles with financial troubles, social isolation, and depression while they adjust to their new lives in a dilapidated house in Woodville, West Virginia. The exploration of this theme shows the devastating nature of family conflict, and how it takes a toll on every member of a family.

This conflict is featured in the very first chapter, as Daniel describes how upset he and Erica are about moving from their old house and life. The tension caused by the move sets the stage for each family member’s conflict. Daniel and Erica face bullying at school; Mother and Father work less than ideal jobs, and the family eats cheaper food than they’re used to. When Erica complains about the tough meat in their stew, Father “[snapped] that tough meat was all we could afford” (51) and abruptly leaves the table. The tension between Mother and Father impacts Daniel and Erica, who are already struggling to adjust. Daniel observes that “They were too busy arguing to pay much attention to either Erica or me. I don’t think they realized how miserable we were. Or how much they’d changed” (56).