The Professor's House: An Ode to Working Parents Everywhere?

In this particular novel, it centers on a professor in his fifties named Godfrey St. Peter, and follows his transitions from a new house to having new son-in-laws, and ultimately to his near death. I think what is so captivating about Godfrey is how completely normal he is. Unlike the other novels we have read in class, Godfrey's character is simple and his dissatisfaction with is life stems from its normalcy and separation of his family members. I feel that Godfrey could be anyone's father, and that the events that occur in his life are things our parents can all relate to.

After Godfrey's daughters marry and he starts his life in a new house, it seems that Godfrey has lost all interest in his life. He re-evaluates his life and sees no more pleasure,which could be because his daughters moved out, in addition to the death of his favorite pupil Outland.

I think that "The Professor's House" is really quite an interesting novel in terms of its ability to relate to modern day middle-age society. It never fails to surprise me that even some ninety years ago, family organization (or disorganization in some cases) has not changed much. I think that these events are all quite typical, and the feelings that Godfrey experiences are certainly not new to adults going through a mid-life crisis. I think that once the "last bird leaves the nest" most parents reevaluate their lives, because it has changed so much. Although Godfrey's reaction might be a little extreme, it is certainly not uncommon.