By comparison, both Billy Pilgrim and Dunstan Ramsay experienced terrifying childhood traumas that would have a long lasting effect on their lives. The fact that both boys had a near death experience early on in their childhood (Billy drowning and Dunstan getting beaten close to death) illustrates the impact a parent has on their child’s development. A situation where the parent may view to be a good learning experience for their children (help Billy learn to swim and help Dunstan learn not to lie and quit magic), may have the opposite impact on the child. Instead of being a good learning experience, the experience could have traumatized the children and further alienating from society. As a result of Billy’s early traumas, it caused him to develop schizophrenic …show more content…
As a result of Dunstan’s traumas, it causes him to fear the formation of relationships, further distancing him from society. As the boys mature, these experiences are not shown as something beneficial but instead, are shown to be detrimental to them and to their development into adulthood. As a result of Billy’s schizophrenia, not only did it alienate him from society but also caused him to be unable to create meaningful relationships with others. This was shown predominantly through his relationship with his wife Valencia. Even though he is married to Valencia Pilgrim and has a family with her, in no way shape or form can their relationship be described as a meaningful one. As a result of Billy’s schizophrenia and constant hallucinations, he is continually coming in and out of reality. Every time Billy received a hallucination, he became immersed in his imagination and believed that he was truly time travelling. Instead of having his life progress in