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As Daniel (Daniel Connors) walks back home from Linden’s place he sees his father (Michael Connors) sitting in the gutter at the edge of the footpath. His father questions Daniel about school and threatens him if he mucks up or doesn’t go, telling him, ’Be at school mate, look and learn. Don’t be like your old man, good for nothing now.’ Daniel walks home and his mother (Dorothy Cubby) questions him, ’Were you in the room smoking yarndi with the boys?’
Curator’s notes
This scene exposes the lack of parental support in Daniel’s life when he needs it the most. His father’s degraded self-image makes it difficult for Daniel to respect him. His father’s use of violent language when talking to the boy highlights the dysfunction within his family. His mother questions Daniel about using cannabis but doesn’t seem to have any authority over the boy.
