Family Unit- The Drunkard

The Drunkard

By: Frank O'Connor

In many literary works, ideas and objects are contrasted to draw attention to a focus point or

Drunkard. In this short story, Larry, the young son, acts both as a hero and a victim of alcohol.  In unintentionally preventing “The Drunkard’s Progress” for his father, Larry himself becomes the victim of the power of alcohol as he experiences its binding influence and become intoxicated. Yet, by keeping his father from drinking, he defeats alcohol’s powers over others by preventing them from drinking. Through this contrast of results, the idea of Larry as “drunkard” and “guardian angel” are juxtaposed. While the mother initially saw her son as a “drunken  corner-boy,” she also addresses him as his father’s guardian angel stating “My brave little man…You were his guardian angel (Page 351).” This juxtaposition illustrates the power of contrast as a literary technique. For, through the juxtaposition, a theme of unintentional actions leading to good results is presented. Attention is thus drawn from the initial idea of blaming the father to a focus on thanking the son.