The Greater Santini: Positives and Negatives of Ben's Coming of Age Audrey Paule Roclore 11th Grade

Pat Conroy’s The Great Santini is not only the story of the difficult relationship between Bull Meecham and his son, Ben, but also the coming-of-age tale of Ben. The book was based in a time of great change. During the 1960’s there was much confliction between the stern values of a previous generation and the more open-minded, sensitive nature of a new one, which was often seen as anarchic and weak. We see the confliction of the era mirrored and even enhanced in the Meecham household, where the children’s defense against their Marine father’s abuse is often seen by Bull as disrespect and disobedience. The novel focuses on the maturation of the eldest Meecham child, Ben. Throughout the book, the reader follows Ben as he encounters many people and events that influence his ascent into manhood. Mrs Meecham, Mr. Dacus, and of course Bull all serve to guide Ben, but these lessons are not always learned through positive example.

Lillian Meecham is what the reader would consider Bull’s foil. She is extremely passive, thoughtful, and sweet. She rarely stands up to her husband, and has endured being the victim of his abuse for years because she still sees the good in him, even when her children do not. She has instilled in her children,...