The End of the Tether · Theme
Fatherly Love and Sacrifice
How The End of the Tether develops Fatherly Love and Sacrifice.
Whalley's primary motivation is his love for his daughter Ivy; he endures humiliation, sells his beloved ship, and risks his self-respect to provide for her and her family, viewing his own survival as a 'solid carcass' that must be preserved for her sake.
Where it surfaces
- II
Whalley's deep love for his daughter Ivy drives him to hide his difficulties and sacrifice his own comfort to support her.
- XII
Whalley reveals his life is necessary for his daughter Ivy, whom he supports from afar, sacrificing his own comfort for her sake.
- XIII
Whalley's determination to finish the trip to secure money for his daughter Ivy drives his actions, even as he faces humiliation and the threat of exposure.
- XIV
Whalley's final letter to his daughter reveals his desperate attempt to save money for her, sacrificing his own life and dignity.