Boris vs. His Father

The Goldfinch

The violent relationship between Boris and Mr. Pavlikovsky.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Father's Abuse Father's Abuse from "The Goldfinch". A Brutal Upbringing Beatings Mr. Pavlikovsky beats Boris regularly. Boris has scars and broken bones. Neglect His father is often drunk and absent.

Father's Abuse from "The Goldfinch". A Brutal Upbringing Beatings Mr. Pavlikovsky beats Boris regularly. Boris has scars and broken bones. Neglect His father is often drunk and absent.

A Brutal Upbringing Beatings Mr. Pavlikovsky beats Boris regularly. Boris has scars and broken bones. Neglect His father is often drunk and absent. Boris fends for himself. Resentment Boris hates his father but also fears him. He dreams of escape.

Boris Tries to Kill Him Boris Tries to Kill Him from "The Goldfinch". A Desperate Act Locking Him Out Boris locks his father outside in the snow, hoping he will freeze to death. Failure Someone picks up his father.

Boris Tries to Kill Him from "The Goldfinch". A Desperate Act Locking Him Out Boris locks his father outside in the snow, hoping he will freeze to death. Failure Someone picks up his father.

A Desperate Act Locking Him Out Boris locks his father outside in the snow, hoping he will freeze to death. Failure Someone picks up his father. He survives and doesn't remember. Guilt Boris feels guilty but also justified. He knows his father is dangerous.

Father's Departure Father's Departure from "The Goldfinch". Freedom Father Leaves Mr. Pavlikovsky goes back to Australia. Boris is left alone. Independence Boris survives on his own. He never sees his father again.

Father's Departure from "The Goldfinch". Freedom Father Leaves Mr. Pavlikovsky goes back to Australia. Boris is left alone. Independence Boris survives on his own. He never sees his father again.

Freedom Father Leaves Mr. Pavlikovsky goes back to Australia. Boris is left alone. Independence Boris survives on his own. He never sees his father again. Moving On Boris builds a new life. He tries to be a better father to his own children.

Throughout Boris's childhood

Winter in Ukraine

After Theo leaves Las Vegas