Marty and Scott's Family Duty

The Shrinking Man

This flow traces Marty's support for his brother and the painful limits placed on that support by employment, money, and the family's eventual departure.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Shared Business Plan A Shared Business Plan from "The Shrinking Man". A Shared Business Plan A future in partnership Scott moves east hoping to work with Marty and build a secure life for his family.

A Shared Business Plan from "The Shrinking Man". A Shared Business Plan A future in partnership Scott moves east hoping to work with Marty and build a secure life for his family.

A Shared Business Plan A future in partnership Scott moves east hoping to work with Marty and build a secure life for his family. Their business relationship is part of a larger plan for insurance, savings, and home ownership. Security at risk The illness disrupts this arrangement before it can provide lasting protection. Scott's dependence on Marty grows just as his ability to work becomes less reliable.

A Reduced Salary A Reduced Salary from "The Shrinking Man". A Reduced Salary Work becomes impossible Scott's anger and distraction interfere with his job.

A Reduced Salary from "The Shrinking Man". A Reduced Salary Work becomes impossible Scott's anger and distraction interfere with his job.

A Reduced Salary Work becomes impossible Scott's anger and distraction interfere with his job. Marty tells him to stay home while continuing some salary support, acknowledging the strain without treating his brother as disposable. Dependence and resentment Scott experiences the change as humiliation and a loss of adult independence. Marty's attempt to help cannot protect him from feeling that the illness has made him economically powerless.

The Loan Rejected The Loan Rejected from "The Shrinking Man". The Loan Rejected Another plan collapses Scott learns that the Veterans Administration has rejected his hoped-for loan.

The Loan Rejected from "The Shrinking Man". The Loan Rejected Another plan collapses Scott learns that the Veterans Administration has rejected his hoped-for loan.

The Loan Rejected Another plan collapses Scott learns that the Veterans Administration has rejected his hoped-for loan. The rejection removes a possible path toward business security just as medical and household costs remain high. Support with limits Marty continues to offer assistance, but he cannot replace the larger financial future Scott had imagined. The family is left relying on smaller, uncertain sources of income.

The Final Check The Final Check from "The Shrinking Man". The Final Check Financial support ends Marty's business loses a contract, forcing him to stop the regular checks he had sent Scott.

The Final Check from "The Shrinking Man". The Final Check Financial support ends Marty's business loses a contract, forcing him to stop the regular checks he had sent Scott.

The Final Check Financial support ends Marty's business loses a contract, forcing him to stop the regular checks he had sent Scott. He gives his brother additional money, but makes clear that the support cannot continue at the same level. Affection without rescue Marty's circumstances prevent him from solving Scott's crisis. Their relationship remains caring, yet practical help cannot reverse the shrinking or preserve the family's household.

The Unheard Brother The Unheard Brother from "The Shrinking Man". The Unheard Brother A desperate signal Scott runs toward Marty as his brother carries belongings up the cellar stairs.

The Unheard Brother from "The Shrinking Man". The Unheard Brother A desperate signal Scott runs toward Marty as his brother carries belongings up the cellar stairs.

The Unheard Brother A desperate signal Scott runs toward Marty as his brother carries belongings up the cellar stairs. He shouts and climbs onto Marty's shoe, but his voice and gestures do not register. Departure becomes final The family leaves without knowing Scott is still alive. Marty is not indifferent; he is simply unable to perceive the tiny person at his feet, and that failure seals Scott's separation from his former life.

Before Scott's diagnosis

During Scott's period of workplace outbursts

After Scott returns from medical testing

At the family's move from the house

During the family's last cellar visit