Charlie's Relationship with His Mother

The complex bond between Charlie Decker and his mother, Rita Decker.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Mother's Protection

The Shield The Storm Windows Aftermath After Charlie's father throws him, his mother defends him and banishes his father. She gives Charlie cocoa and comfort. Charlie feels safe with her. The Intellectual Bond Rita Decker is intelligent and cultured. She reads serious literature and plays the piano. Charlie inherits her intellectual curiosity, which sets him apart from his father. The Emotional Support Charlie's mother is his only ally against his father. However, her protectiveness also makes him dependent and resentful.

Mother's Breakdown

The Tranquilizer Fog The Librium Prescription After Charlie's attack on Mr. Carlson, his mother begins taking tranquilizers. She sleeps a lot and becomes distant. Charlie notices her breath smells of dreams gone rancid. The Emotional Withdrawal Rita Decker is unable to cope with Charlie's violence. She retreats into a drugged haze, leaving Charlie alone to face his father and the authorities. The Aftermath Charlie feels abandoned by his mother. Her withdrawal contributes to his sense of isolation and his decision to take extreme action.

Mother's Visit After the Crisis

The Silent Support The Yearbook Charlie's mother sends him the yearbook, but he hasn't unwrapped it. He thinks about looking at the senior pictures without trembling. The Unspoken Bond Despite everything, Charlie's mother remains in contact. Joe McKennedy mentions seeing her before leaving for Boston. She reports that Charlie is healing. The Ambivalence Charlie feels both love and resentment toward his mother. Her presence in his life is a reminder of his past and his failures.

Throughout Charlie's childhood

After the assault on Mr. Carlson, spring of the crisis year

During Charlie's hospitalization, after the hostage crisis