The Master

William sends Henry news of a Civil War memorial that will be dedicated to the unit in which their brother Wilky served. This development causes Henry to reflect on his childhood. He was close to his brother William as a boy, just as his brothers Wilky and Bob were close to one another. While William and Henry were studious and serious, Wilky and Bob were loud and entirely uninterested in academics. Wilky and Bob caused their father a great deal of consternation, and he always paid more attention to William and Henry’s education than to their brothers’. Although their father lived off his inheritance and did not truly work, he was interested in philosophy and sometimes gave lectures. 

After William left to attend Harvard, Henry recalls becoming interested in translation. He began to shut himself up in his room to work, and his mother supported him in his endeavors, understanding that Henry was not sure what to do with his adult life. She was pleased to see him developing interests that might propel him toward a career. At this time, the Civil War was raging, and Henry’s father grew increasingly interested in the conflict. He longed for one of his sons to join the fight, but their mother disagreed and hoped that all of her sons would remain safe.