"Brother Death"
Control has many different meanings for many different people. To most, however, this word brings to mind one person forcing another do his or her will, but other things have control over people as well. Sherwood Anderson shows two examples of control in Don and Ted. These two characters have problems created by their difficult lives. The other characters' personalities either help or hinder the children, creating a family with a constant conflict until one of the characters either changes, or disappears from the story all together.
"Brother Death" by Sherwood Anderson is a short story about power. Don and Ted both want to be in control of their life, but different circumstances take that away from them. Ted wants to live a normal life, but his family prohibits him because of his fatal heart condition. Mary, the only one who understands Ted's misery, shares a special bond with him.
English: Signature of Sherwood Anderson
English: Photo of author Sherwood Anderson.
TED 2009 FacesJohn Grey, the father, has a natural ability to judge cows and could tell how much one weighed just by looking at it. This makes him successful as a cattleman, but his success drives him to constantly push into his neighbor's, the Aspinwahls, land. John's 18-year-old son Don takes after his father in almost every way. He has the ability to judge steers, and has won many awards. He also likes to be in control like his father, which creates a power-struggle between the two. Louise, the well-educated wife of John Grey, comes from the Aspinwahl family. Not originally the prettiest Aspinwahl, Louise shocks her family by blossoming beautifully after her marriage. The story centers mainly, however, on Ted and Don's troubles. Because of Ted's heart condition, most of the family is over-protective and does not let him play or have as much fun as he could. Mary...