A Horse for a Daughter: An Essay on Andre Dubus' "A Father's Story"

Andre Dubus, the author of "A Father's Story," grew up in the ranching community of Haverhill, Massachusetts. As a boy, he was most likely taught not only the ways of the ranch and the animals, but also a sense of routine. Growing up with these routines gives someone a feeling of order, one that he may carry with him as he becomes an adult. After developing into an adult, he may choose to use those …

…sometimes taught at a young age, it might be hard for someone to live their life any other way than following the same pattern everyday. Even though the routine might seem so important in childhood, and even into adulthood, if one looks deep enough, he can find something or even someone to satisfy his needs. And that certain something or someone may help to not only change him, but also change him for the better.