Although physically strong, Tom Fuller reflects the meekness of his mother, who has carefully sheltered him from contact with the world. He is taught that physical prowess is brutal. His father, a fighting westerner, who has made a million...See moreAlthough physically strong, Tom Fuller reflects the meekness of his mother, who has carefully sheltered him from contact with the world. He is taught that physical prowess is brutal. His father, a fighting westerner, who has made a million in the mines. suffers an injury while defending his property, from which he later dies. Mrs. Fuller, never in accord with the rough life of the western mining camp, moves to the city with her son. The death of his father is constantly cited to the boy as a result of "roughness." Later Tom marries Mildred Duncan, who consents to the marriage for financial reasons, urged on by her parents. She has little respect and no love for her husband, because of his meekness and domination by his mother. She later becomes interested in Hugh Gates, whom she believes exemplifies her ideal.. Gates improves his opportunities. Tom, learning of the affair, is about to interfere in a physical manner, when prevented by his mother, who urges that the better way would be to remove Mildred from the environment which permits contact with Gates. She suggests the seashore. Mildred, under protest, agrees, Tom. unknown to his mother decides in favor of the forests as compared with the artificiality of society resorts. Gates learning of their whereabouts follows. At their mountain camp, Mildred is petulant and desires to return to the city, but his father's spirit is strong within him and Tom heeds the call of the wild. The out-door life and lack of his mother domination, makes a man of him. During his absence Gates prevails upon Mildred to return to the city. Returning as they are about to leave, Tom orders Mildred to remain. She refuses. Gates sneeringly pushes Tom aside. Tom answers with a blow. They fight and Gates is severely whipped. Mildred, to whose wish Tom had heretofore always bowed, feels the iron grip without its velvet glove. She is ordered roughly into the canoe and Tom paddles away with her that night, as he sits by their campfire, a completely subdued Mildred slips from her blankets and puts her hand in his in token of submission. Written by
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