The human cognition has a conceptual framework that is coherent in terms of how people perceive other people. The perceptions of a person towards another person are formed on the basis of the behavioral actions that are often observed in that person. These behavioral actions may include the mode of dressing, acting, talking and expressing oneself. These empirical observations and subsequent perceptions form a mental picture of the person being observed.
This mental picture dictates the kind of person that people will perceive that person to be, as well as form the basis of the attitude that people will have about him/her. This paper highlights the stories of two authors-Geoffrey Wolf (Memories of my father) and Leo Buscaglia (Papa), both of whom write about their fathers’ characters, life, behavior and how they perceive them as their fathers.
Wolf starts off his literary piece by offering a description of his father in a manner that he used to perceive him initially during his early days of naivety. His father-Duke-supposedly used to present himself in a gentlemanly way. According to Duke’s assertions he had been schooled at Groton and later went to Yale for his higher education (Wolf, 307). Wolf’s father had a gentlemanly appearance and stylish nature that was denoted by his distinctive style in terms of what he wore. Wolf describes a few of Duke’s items which were noticeably different and carefully chosen to portray his stylish nature and distinctiveness which is characteristic of fashion and luxury.
According to Wolf, Duke used to offer narrations about his grand past as a fighter pilot that served in the Royal Air force as well as in Yugoslavia and Normandy-all of which later proof to have been lies. Wolf later states that, Duke’s educational background was also fictional and that actually his father had never been to Groton or Yale (Wolf, 308). Later, in the narration Wolf depicts his father as dreamer that used to portray a personality that was not his actual self. Apparently, Duke’s lies offered him complacency, and happiness both of which were elusive for him because he could not achieve his dreams, but wished to live them even under false disguise. Duke’s actions of lying about himself and disguising his real self portray that he was never happy about his own self and past, and as such; he wished to cover it up and leave no trace of his shameful, unproductive past.
This is implied by the motto engraved on the ring that he left for his son-“leave no trace behind”. Wolf’s depiction of his father shows a father that had a low self esteem that he wished to elevate through his lying nature by portraying himself as someone that he was not. His low self is shown by the fact that Duke hated Jews, yet he was indeed a Jew (Wolf, 308). Wolf’s father is also shown as a non-achiever and at most a pretender and liar. These characteristics lead Wolf to a point where he dislikes his father for his lying acts and lack of self acceptance. Though he appreciates the fact that his father laid a foundation that would get him to where he is at the moment as he writes about him.
On the other hand, Leo’s Papa describes his father known as Papa. Least is told about Papa’s personal character. However, through the story we learn that Papa was never able to complete his studies, and was taken at an early stage to serve in local factories. His hard work is evident from school, where the teachers and priest protested his early drop out. Papa also states that there no single day that he had spent without working, and this shows that indeed he was a hardworking father (Buscaglia, 584). Leo’s father is also seen as the main champion behind their learning activities. Papa sets up a habit through which he stimulates the learning of his family after every dinner session, and thus inspiring his family to acquire knowledge continually (Buscaglia, 586).
He seems to have been trying to offer his family what he missed to get in his childhood-education. Papa seems to be a determined father that goes a head to take practical actions towards achieving his goals and those of his families. He is also seems to be a practical person that is down to earth and ready to go the extra mile in achieving his goals. Papa’s love for family communion and sharing shows that indeed he was a man that loved his family. This is depicted by his continual gathering of his family, and his usual assessment of his family as well as educational guidance. The narration of Leo shows that he appreciates his father’s effort in educating their family as well as bringing them together. He also seems to enjoy his father’s hardworking nature and determination, all this implies that indeed he loves and appreciates his father-Papa.
Unlike Duke, Leo’s father is portrayed as being truthful, down-to-earth and hardworking. On the other hand, Duke is portrayed as being un-truthful, self appraising and lazy. This is exemplified by the two fathers’ actions. Whereas, Papa goes an extra mile to achieve what he failed to get in his childhood-by continuous learning and fostering the same in his family-Duke goes on dreaming and lying about what he would have wished to be, instead of working towards achieving it or helping his son work towards achieving his dream.
Contrastingly, Duke is portrayed as a father that loves luxury and grand things, whilst; Papa is simple and used to a down-to-earth and even poor life. As a result of these actions Wolf dislikes most things about his father’s character and personality, though he appreciates some of his fewer actions of training and trying to bring him up well. On the other hand, Leo seems to love and totally appreciate his father for the great effort he has put into raising the family well.
Conclusion
The behavioral conduct of and individual greatly determines how people will value that particular person. It will also determine the stereotypes conceived about him. However, more importantly this will also determine whether a person will be successful in life and bale to accomplish his/her endeavors. Additionally, it also form the perceptions that people will have about him/her, and thus; determine how they will relate with other people.
Works Cited
