Teddy's Ears Burned

The narrative reveals that Teddy Duchamp's ears were burned by his father, Norman Duchamp, a World War II veteran who later was sent to Togus VA Hospital. The incident occurred when Teddy was eight, and his father held his head against a hot stove burner. This trauma explains Teddy's reckless behavior, poor eyesight, and hearing loss, as well as his fierce, irrational pride in his father's war record.