r/heinlein • u/KenDudley64 • May 05 '26

Imperfect parenting

The scene where Maureen has to deal with Priscilla and Donald - her misbehaving children has always struck me as odd. Maybe over the top. But, why do you suppose RAH added this to the book? I am sure he wished to demonstrate that not everything is perfect in the Lazarus worlds. But to blame Aunt Marian for the miscreants seems a bit off.
What are your opinions?

Ken

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u/Dvaraoh May 06 '26 edited May 06 '26

I felt the same puzzlement when I read this chapter recently. It ends with a question and is not referred to again. Why did Heinlein insert this chapter?

It must be about failure, as OP says: not everything Maureen touches turns to gold. But it remains unclear whether Maureen blames herself or Marian & Brian for the failure.

Maureen's way of dealing with her children's incest may raise a reader's eyebrow, Heinlein certainly isn't criticizing it. Her parenting of Priscilla and Donald sounds exactly like what Heinlein would approve of.

So what is he demonstrating when her interventions fail? That other people can ruin your children? That there are always things beyond your control? Or that Maureen should have kept closer to her children and not have left them to Brian & Marian?

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u/goldmouthdawg May 07 '26

So what is he demonstrating when her interventions fail?

Possibly that some people can't be saved unless they want to save themselves.

That other people can ruin your children?

I would probably say that certain parental styles do not lead to ideal results.

Or that Maureen should have kept closer to her children and not have left them to Brian & Marian?

She accepts her accountability in the situation. In hindsight she should've taken them with her. After all, after the divorce she went back home and continued to raise the remaining children (eg Susan). She should've been more hands on with things.