While fiction writers are known for their creative abilities, they often draw their inspiration from their community. Your characters can often be compared to real people in society. A writer can also examine societal themes through the actions of others. Literature is a reflection of the society. Saint Luke’s Parable of the Prodigal Son and D.H. Lawrence’s The Rocking Horse Winner are two outstanding examples of stories in which the characters reflect the real events in society. Lawrence and St. Luke try to illustrate how a child’s past influences their life and conduct. St. Luke’s story of the prodigal child shows children from wealthy families who become so dependent on others that their family has to rescue them. Paul is the youngster in Lawrence’s novel “The Rocking Horse Winner”. He comes from a poor background and assumes responsibility for raising his family’s standard. Family is a theme that focuses on the complexity of family relationships and how they relate to one another.
St. Luke places his story in a wealthy home where the father has been kind to his children’s upbringing. The boys can do what they want without any restrictions from their father. All requests of his sons are accepted by the father, even the request from the younger boy for his share of the inheritance. In accordance to his policy, the father will comply with sons’ requests. After the child has left his parents, he tries to enjoy life but he is not careful. He spends his entire fortune on extravagant living and has fun. He is depressed and embarrassed of his actions that he decides to feed the pigs on the farm. But, he soon forgets his shame and realizes that his father is composed and will not abandon him no matter his rank. He decides to go home, and asks his father forgiveness. The father sees the son from afar and runs to embrace and kiss him. It is an example of his gentle parenting style. It is meant to make him feel welcomed and loved back in the family. The father would always indulge his child, no matter his mistakes or bad choices. His father had a resentful older son who criticized his decision to focus attention on the younger child. He claimed that he was loyal and had obeyed, but never been rewarded. The issue could have led to rivalry and increased family problems.