Summary of Craig Higginson's "The Dream House". Includes individual character plotlines, quotes relevant to their story and the novel's plot. Themes and their explanations and novel plot included.
Patricia Wiley: Richard's wife
the lady of the house
her dream house is no longer the farm it's her old house in Durban
had her baby Rachel who was stillborn (died at birth and was buried under the Redwoods)
uses a wheelchair
Had an affair with John Ford
Raised Looksmart as her own, still sent him back to a hut after coming home from a private
school.
Did not want Grace's blood on her car seats even though it was an emergency.
Beauty is treated as a type of company from her point of view, however it is pointed out by
Looksmart that she is actually treated like a dog.
Quotes:
“Beauty!” Calling Beauty like a dog.
“The one good man in (her) life” Her father NOT Richard.
“There is no justice in this – nor in anything else” About Richard, the death of Grace can't be
justified or avenged.
“Unbearable present” Her unhappiness with her life
“Backward glances only crick the neck” She pays no attention to the past.
Richard Wiley: Partner to Patricia
Suffering from Dementia
Had various affairs during his earlier years
Never forgave Patricia for Rachel's death, never viewed her as a wife from then on
Has a secret about Grace's death
Originally Looksmart knows that he raped Grace and then set his dog Chloe on her in order to
keep it a secret.
Actually paid Grace for sex work and impregnated her, set Chloe on her to “exterminate” the
problem.
He is a horrible man and is very vulgar.
Always tries to dig up Rachel, and runs away often.
Quotes:
“The bitch” Referencing the way he used to speak to Patricia, the real person he is slips out
while coming out of his 'demented' state slightly. Shows how he truly feels about her.
Looksmart: Resents Patricia, used to love her
Born in the dairy compound of Patricia's farm
Patricia “raised” him slightly, sent him to a private school.
Has identity issues with his background in a hut and going to a private school of predominantly
white boys.
Suffered from racial oppression in Apartheid.
Loved Grace
Resents Patricia for not saving Grace
Resents Richard for his crimes
Has bought the farm which is his dream house
Is having an affair himself
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