Bad Fathers in art and literature

[Soldier Girl]

Can anyone name any famous bad fathers in art, history or literature?

[Rubberduckie]

Mr. Bennet in 'Pride & Prejudice' is an example of a bad father because he allows his silly wife and youngest daughters to behave irresponsibly until the point when one elopes with an unsuitable suitor whom she eventually marries. It probably doesn't come across in the recent film, but Austen is quite critical of Mr.Bennet's laziness and lack of control.I'm sure there are loads more in literature and history; now art's more difficult.Also I think standards of what is acceptable in parenting change. Think about the Victorian attitude "spare the rod and spoil the child'.

[Soldier Girl]

Very interesting, thank you.

[carolegif]

There are loads in Dickens, especially stephfathers.

Elizabeth Barrett Browning's father was a real control freak (which is why she eloped).

George V was supposed to have been very strict which is why George VI had a stammer and Edward VIII was weak.

carolegif

[Soldier Girl]

Excellent, thanks.

[spudqueen]

How about Cinderellas father, who allows her step-mother to treat her so badly.

[gary baldy]

Hobsons Choice

[dotjhawkes]

King Lear was a bit out of order with his daughters, he really messed the family up.

And the Caesars were a bit dysfunctional. And what about them Pharaohs, they were a VERY close family

[Drusilla]

Ivan the Terrible murdered his son with his own hands I believe, but then he murdered just about everybody else's son as well.

[Soldier Girl]

Excellent stuff, liking Ivan the Terrible (as an answer not a person) - thank you.

[Drusilla]

Hi again, just been checking my history and literature books. Peter the Great had his son tortured and executed. It seems to have become a habit among Russian Tsars.

Titus Andronicus (by Shakespeare) kills his daughter, Lavinia to 'restore' her honour after a rape.

Medea killed her children by Jason in the Greek myths.

Agamemnon sacrificed his daughter Iphigenia to the gods before leading the Greeks against Troy.

[Aschenbach]

A few from literature I can think of

Things Fall Apart, Chinua Achebe

A Prayer For Owen Meany, John Irving

His Dark Materials, Philip Pullman

Hansel and Gretel

Matilda, Roald Dahl

[Drusilla]

Oops!! Medea was a bad mother, sorry. However, she did kill the children because Jason left her, so I think he played a part.

[**Clem**]

One of the first that came to mind was Dombey in Dicken's 'Dombey and Son'. It's not one of my favourites but a perfect example of a bad father.

[delilahcat]

David Copperfield's stepfather, Mr Murdstone.

Thomas Hardy's The Mayor of Casterbridge (Michael Henchard) who sold his wife and baby daughter.