FIFTH CHILD

How did Ben appear at birth?

Ben was muscular, yellow, weighed 11 pounds, had a heavy shouldered hunch look, and yellow and green eyes.

Why didn't Harriet get out of her hospital bed?

She needed time for her internal bruises to heal.

How long did Harriet stay in bed after giving birth?

She stayed in bed for 1 week.

What does the quote, 'the genes have come up with something special this time' imply?

It means that Ben is unlike any of their other children.

How does Harriet respond to her fifth child, Ben?

She pays very close attention to him and almost forgets all her other children.

What does Dr. Brett think of Ben?

He thinks Ben is a normal child and there's nothing unusual about him.

How does Ben interact with the family at the first party?

Ben shows no interest in the family and does not interact with them.

How do the family members respond to Ben at the first party?

They are curious about him at first but soon become scared of him.

What is Ben's interaction like with other children?

Ben does not play with them but sometimes sits with them and mimics their behavior.

What is the relationship like between Ben and Paul?

Their relationship is strained, and Paul feels threatened by Ben's strong presence.

Describe Ben's inappropriate behavior in the house.

He becomes stronger and more aggressive, bites, destroys furniture, and disturbs family members with his staring.

Describe the room where Ben is kept during the holidays.

It is a small room with a single bed, a table, and a worn-out armchair.

What happens to the family pets due to Ben's actions?

Ben strangles the dog and the cat while they are sleeping.

What is Ben's first spoken phrase?

His first words are 'I want cake'.

How does Ben feel after he inflicts harm on others?

He usually laughs or smiles mischievously, finding enjoyment in it.

Why do the Lovatts decide to take a family vacation to France?

They want to escape from Ben and return to their normal lives.

What solution does the family come up with for Ben's behavior?

They decide to send him to an institution.

Why did Harriet initially agree to send Ben away?

She wanted everything to return to normal and recognized she had neglected her other children.

How does Harriet interfere with the family's plan for Ben?

She wakes up one morning and decides to bring Ben back from the institution.

What are the conditions like during the family's departure to the institution?

It was raining heavily, involved a long drive with traffic, and the institution felt very quiet and empty.

How are the workers portrayed at the institution?

The workers are described as very tired and worn out.

What condition does Harriet find Ben in at the institution?

Ben is passed out on the floor without clothes, his tongue out, and he has peed himself.

What effects does Harriet's interference have on her family?

It causes detachments or isolation with her husband, extended family, and her other children.

What is Harriet's relationship like with each family member?

Harriet's relationships are strained, especially with Ben, as she feels overwhelmed with responsibilities.

What is Ben's relationship like with each family member?

Ben lacks sympathy for his family and feels isolated, despite Harriet's attempts to love him.

Who is the primary parent responsible for Ben?

Harriet is the primary parent as she takes on most responsibilities for his care.

Who is John and what kind of relationship does he have with Ben?

John is a kind boy who acts as a caretaker for Ben, but their relationship ends when John leaves for job training.