Question #4 Pg. 115, Describe the Fowler family before Franks murder. How does the murder affect Matt?
Writing Activity I: Killings The Fowler family seemed like the typical all American family. Matt although a protective father often remembers being fearful that his children would get hurt all through there childhood. He recalls memories of being on edge about them drowning in the pond near their house or falling out of a high oak tree all three of his children would climb. Matt always kept these fears to himself; he didn’t want to startle his children. As the children became adults it seemed like Matt and his wife Ruth tried to stay out of there children’s personal lives but did voice concern about Franks new girlfriend Mary Ann. Mary Ann was going through a divorce and already had two children. Matt thought this was a lot for a man to take on and took the time out to find out Franks true thoughts on the situation. Frank assured him that it was nothing serious at this time, with her divorce still in the process and him going to school in the fall. One evening there was an altercation between Frank and Mary Ann’s ex-husband Strout. Frank’s parents wanted him to press charges against Strout but Frank didn’t think this was necessary at the time. Charges were never filed and Strout took it to the most extreme level murdering Frank in front of Mary Ann and her two children later in the story. Frank’s murder seemed to just destroy his entire family. They just couldn’t believe Frank was gone and that Strout didn’t get much of a prison sentence, which just didn’t make any sense to them. Strout was free to just walk around the town. This caused a constant reminder of the tragedy that had happened in their lives. Most of all I think Matt held his fears and concerns inside which now he probably regrets. This is the time he didn’t let it out and it