The Fifth Child Essay -- essays research papers

The Fifth Child     The word "monster" has many definitions. Some define it as a creaturehaving a frightening or strange appearance. It is also defined as one thatinspires horror or disgust. Ben certainly fits into all of these categories.He was different right from pregnancy. He looks extremely frightening, almostlike a Neanderthal. Ben is an outcast even in an institution for "naturesmistakes."From the moment Harriet became pregnant it was apparent to her thatsomething was on the face of it wrong. She loved having children and had planned on atotal of octad or perhaps even ten. However, something was different this time.Early in the pregnancy, she began feeling ill. She had been keeping herself really busy in order not to feel the "demands" from the new being. It was unlikeanything she had known before. At five months the pain was so intense thatHarriet began taking tranquilizers. up to now during her pregnancy, Harriet beganreferring to Ben as the "monster." During a conversation with Dr. Brett afterhe refused to induce the baby, she is quoted as saying, "Its because you dontwant to. Its not you who is carrying this" (She cut off monster afraid ofantagonizing him.) (p. 47) At eight months she went into labor. Although shehad never gone to the hospital before for her other deliveries, this time sheinsisted. This shocked everyone, especially her husband David.Ben was not your typical baby. ...