Grief and Loss

The Goldfinch

How different characters cope with the death of loved ones.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Theo's Grief for His Mother Theo's Grief for His Mother from "The Goldfinch". A Child's Mourning Initial Shock Theo is numb. He doesn't cry at the funeral. Nightmares He dreams of her constantly. He feels her absence everywhere.

Theo's Grief for His Mother from "The Goldfinch". A Child's Mourning Initial Shock Theo is numb. He doesn't cry at the funeral. Nightmares He dreams of her constantly. He feels her absence everywhere.

A Child's Mourning Initial Shock Theo is numb. He doesn't cry at the funeral. Nightmares He dreams of her constantly. He feels her absence everywhere. Long-Term Impact Her death shapes his entire life. He never fully recovers.

Mrs. Barbour's Grief Mrs. Barbour's Grief from "The Goldfinch". A Widow's Solitude Withdrawal Mrs. Barbour stops going out. She spends her days in her room. Dogs She finds comfort in her Yorkshire terriers.

Mrs. Barbour's Grief from "The Goldfinch". A Widow's Solitude Withdrawal Mrs. Barbour stops going out. She spends her days in her room. Dogs She finds comfort in her Yorkshire terriers.

A Widow's Solitude Withdrawal Mrs. Barbour stops going out. She spends her days in her room. Dogs She finds comfort in her Yorkshire terriers. They are her only companions. Theo's Visits Theo's visits bring her some joy. She clings to him as a link to Andy.

Boris's Grief for His Mother Boris's Grief for His Mother from "The Goldfinch". A Lost Mother Alcoholic Mother Boris's mother died when he was young. He rarely speaks of her. Coping He numbs his pain with alcohol and drugs.

Boris's Grief for His Mother from "The Goldfinch". A Lost Mother Alcoholic Mother Boris's mother died when he was young. He rarely speaks of her. Coping He numbs his pain with alcohol and drugs.

A Lost Mother Alcoholic Mother Boris's mother died when he was young. He rarely speaks of her. Coping He numbs his pain with alcohol and drugs. He becomes reckless. Acceptance Boris accepts his loss. He tries to be a better parent to his own children.

After the bombing

After husband and son die

Throughout his childhood