Elmer’s Separation from Home

My Father's Dragon

This flow follows Elmer from conflict in his childhood home through deliberate departure and the lonely demands of becoming self-reliant.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Child’s Wish A Child’s Wish from "My Father's Dragon". The Dream of Flight A private ambition Elmer tells Old Alley Cat that he hopes to own an airplane and fly wherever he wishes.

A Child’s Wish from "My Father's Dragon". The Dream of Flight A private ambition Elmer tells Old Alley Cat that he hopes to own an airplane and fly wherever he wishes.

The Dream of Flight A private ambition Elmer tells Old Alley Cat that he hopes to own an airplane and fly wherever he wishes. The wish is imaginative but still distant. A change of scale The cat’s account of Baby Dragon gives the dream a moral purpose. Elmer begins to imagine flight as something he can earn through helping another creature.

Anger at Home Anger at Home from "My Father's Dragon". A Breaking Point Family conflict Elmer’s mother rejects Old Alley Cat and punishes him for secretly feeding her.

Anger at Home from "My Father's Dragon". A Breaking Point Family conflict Elmer’s mother rejects Old Alley Cat and punishes him for secretly feeding her.

A Breaking Point Family conflict Elmer’s mother rejects Old Alley Cat and punishes him for secretly feeding her. Elmer sees that the household will not protect the cat or support his choices. The decision His anger makes leaving home emotionally possible. The plan is not simply an adventure; it is a response to a painful failure of care.

The Secret Plan The Secret Plan from "My Father's Dragon". Preparing to Leave Independent action Elmer and Old Alley Cat hide supplies in the park, then pack them in his father’s knapsack before the voyage.

The Secret Plan from "My Father's Dragon". Preparing to Leave Independent action Elmer and Old Alley Cat hide supplies in the park, then pack them in his father’s knapsack before the voyage.

Preparing to Leave Independent action Elmer and Old Alley Cat hide supplies in the park, then pack them in his father’s knapsack before the voyage. A threshold crossed Keeping the plan secret separates Elmer from parental authority. He acts as the person responsible for his own journey and its risks.

The Lonely Passage The Lonely Passage from "My Father's Dragon". Self-Reliance at Sea Hiding Elmer remains in the hold and avoids discovery when the ship stops.

The Lonely Passage from "My Father's Dragon". Self-Reliance at Sea Hiding Elmer remains in the hold and avoids discovery when the ship stops.

Self-Reliance at Sea Hiding Elmer remains in the hold and avoids discovery when the ship stops. He must manage hunger, concealment, and uncertainty without adult help. Growing competence The grain-bag disguise carries him safely to shore. A child’s practical ingenuity begins to replace the security of home.

The Journey’s New Home The Journey’s New Home from "My Father's Dragon". A Chosen Companionship Departure from the island Elmer leaves Wild Island aboard Baby Dragon, with no return to the hostile animals in sight.

The Journey’s New Home from "My Father's Dragon". A Chosen Companionship Departure from the island Elmer leaves Wild Island aboard Baby Dragon, with no return to the hostile animals in sight.

A Chosen Companionship Departure from the island Elmer leaves Wild Island aboard Baby Dragon, with no return to the hostile animals in sight. Their destination is the shore of Island of Tangerina. What has changed The journey’s resolution gives Elmer an enduring companion and fulfills his wish to fly. His independence has been shaped by service to someone else.

during the park walk with Old Alley Cat

after Elmer’s mother throws the cat out

the week before the ship sails

during the six-day voyage and landing

at the ending, after the dragon is freed