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47 people with Down syndrome should be sent to an institution. The professor says
that there are no other options. They should be sent to an institution p. 21. David has no other options except sending his daughter to an institution.
David considers the institution as the best place because the daughter can get the best medical treatment compare to other places. “’… I believe the home in
Louisville is the right place for this child. I don’t make the decision lightly. She will need medical care she can’t get elsewhere …’” p. 83. So he decides to do
it. He asks a nurse to send the daughter to the institution. He believes that it is the right choice. “He spoke with conviction. He believed his own words” p. 24.
To summarize, the decision making process happens to David in the novel involves his consideration on the condition of his daughter that needs medical
care. The best choice is sending her to an institution.
D. The Influence of David’s Decision of Taking His Daughter with Down Syndrome away on His Family’s Life
David’s decision of taking his daughter away from his family life causes influence. The writer divides the influence of David’s decision into four parts. The
first is the influence on his daughter with Down syndrome Phoebe. The second is the influence on the members of his family. The third is the influence for
Caroline. The forth is the influence on the relation among members of the family.
1. On the Daughter
The discussion on the influence of David’s decision of taking his daughter away from his family is divided into two, namely physical development and
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48 psychological development. David’s decision does not bring influence on the
daughter’s physical development. Physically, Phoebe grows up with the characteristics of individual with Down syndrome. Shriver states that a child with
Down syndrome will also have much longer at doing basic activities such as, sitting, standing, walking, or turning around because of the lack of muscle tone
power “Facts about Down Syndrome”, 2008. At eleven months, Phoebe should be able to grasp small object, but she is not able to do it p. 126. It is because of
the lack of muscle tone power. At six years old, she is chubby. She has dimpled knees and winning smile. She also has upslanted eyes and small hands p. 202.
She is also short and stocky p. 403. Over all the characteristics, she has frequent respiratory system p. 121. On the contrary, she does not have any heart defect
like David has ever been afraid of para. 315. Phoebe does what ordinary children do. She is able to do activities which other children do although it takes
longer for her to learn. At six years old she is able to use the bathroom and to get herself dressed p. 208. As some individuals with Down syndrome, she also likes
playing basket and weaving a scarf. She earns money by working in a copier. Psychologically, David’s decision results in a mother-daughter
relationship between Caroline and Phoebe. Other people such as Doro and Leo who do not know the fact that Phoebe is not Caroline’s own daughter state genetic
connection between Caroline and Phoebe although they do not have that genetic connection. Doro, an old woman who kindly permits Caroline to work at her
house, says that Phoebe has Caroline’s hair. Meanwhile, Leo, Doro’s father also
has ever said, “She’s certainly got your temper” p. 202.
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49 For Phoebe, her mother is Caroline. Phoebe loves Caroline very much. It
is described by the way she says, “You okay, Mom?” or “I love you.” p. 208. Caroline loves Phoebe too. It is shown by the way she fights against the Board of
Education so that Phoebe can be accepted in public school. Her worry when Phoebe is allergic of bees and her worry when Phoebe is gone to catch a cat
describe how Caroline loves Phoebe as her own daughter. When finally Caroline tells the truth to Norah about Phoebe, it is hard to
tell Phoebe that Norah is her mother. “You’re my daughter, Phoebe, do you understand that? This is Paul, your
brother.” Phoebe took hold of Caroline’s hand. “This is my mother,” she said.
“Yes”. Norah glanced at Caroline and tried again. “That’s your mother”, she said. “But I’m your mother too. You grew in my body, Phoebe.” She
patted her stomach. “You grew right here. But then you were born, and your mother Caroline raised you.”
“I’m going to marry Robert,” Phoebe said. “I don’t want to live with you.” p. 494
Although Norah has explained carefully that she is Phoebe’s mother, it is
difficult for Phoebe to accept the fact easily. When Norah is offering Phoebe to come and visit her, Phoebe considers as a stranger who wants to separate her from
Caroline. Paul realizes Norah and Paul are strangers for Phoebe when Phoebe talks to Paul about Norah. According to Hebb, Phoebe’s reaction toward Paul and
Norah, is fear which is aroused by strange persons as cited in Beck, 1978, p. 194. Phoebe uses the word “your mother” to replace “Norah” that makes Paul
surprised para. 500. David’s decision which causes Phoebe to grow up with Caroline results in Phoebe’s fear to leave her hometown. Phoebe is afraid of
leaving her hometown and afraid of not being able to come back again to her
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50 home. When Norah invites her to go to France for a holiday, she says, “’And I’m
coming back home’” p. 505. Hebb also divides fear in sensory deficit category. It deals with an absence of customary stimulation which is familiarity and
adaptation to having others around as cited in Beck, 1978, p. 194. Phoebe is accustomed to be with Caroline and knows Caroline as her mother. She has not
been comfortable yet with the presence of Paul and Norah. However, Phoebe keeps holding enthusiastic conversation with Paul. Both of them tell their stories
about their daily activities, hobbies, interest, and family para. 495-498. It is related to the characteristic which is usually had by some individuals with Down
syndrome. As Buckley 2000 says that they are usually enjoying lively social life p. 5.
From the analysis above, it is concluded that David’s decision influences Phoebe psychologically. People say that Phoebe inherits Caroline temper. For
Phoebe, her mother is Caroline. She still considers Norah as stranger who offers house to visit and a vacation to France.
2. On the Members of David’s Family
