Character Analysis
Pa is a complicated fellow. We hear stories of when Saba was young and adorably believed that no one who "ever lived [...] was taller or smarter'n [...] pa"—but that's a far cry from the guy we see today (1.13). Driven insane by his wife's death and increasingly obsessed with far-fetched mumbo jumbo, Pa is a neglectful father and an isolated weirdo.
Don't believe us? Check out the dude's ideas about life and fate:
It was all set in the stars the moment the world began. The time of yer birthin, the time of yer death. Even what kinda person yer gonna be, good or bad. (p.11)
Sound like a bunch of BS? Maybe it is.
But maybe it's not. Although most of Pa's methods seem like total hogwash, he accurately predicts Lugh's kidnapping and his own death, leaving us perplexed as to whether his fortunetelling is the real deal or not. Pa brings up big questions about fate and predestination, and if you're curious to learn more about that, check out our "Themes" section, where we give you the lowdown on Fate and Free Will in this book.
Anyway, we only hope that these questions get answers soon, because we really don't want another Lost situation on our hands.