58 guilty feeling. His emotion in childhood, forces him to do it. “Tasered, tied, and
perhaps following a conversation, Daniel and Kathy had been stabbed. Mitch did not dwell upon the wounds. The weapons were a pair of gardening shears and a
hand trowel” 240.
2. The Factors Influence Anson’s Personality Development
Hurlock states there are twelve factors determining one’s personality. Those factors are “early experiences, cultural influences, physique, physical
condition, intelligence, emotion, the child name, success and failure, social acceptance, status symbols, school influences, family influences” 471-479.
Some of those determinants of personality are used to analyze the factors which possible influence Anson’s personality development. Dean Koontz’s The
Husband tells some information about the influence of parents’ abuse to Anson personality development. The parents’ ambition and the method in rearing child in
the childhood are the main factors which influence him. According to Hurlock’s theory, both of those factors can be included in
early experiences, emotion, and family influences determinants. Both parents’ ambition and rearing child method applied in Anson’s childhood happen in his
early year. Those factors has destructed and influenced Anson’s ambition and his behavior. This bad treatment happens in Anson’s family. Therefore, it can be
included in the family influence determinant. An event or experience may have significant situation, which may
influence the personality. This study focuses on Anson’s significant experience in
59 his childhood, which influences his personality development. Anson spent much
time at home during his childhood. His parents teach him about rationality and achievement. Due to the fact, Anson’s personality gradually changes. Anson is
described as both good son and brother at the beginning of his story. In contrast, he is described as the brother who brings his heart to trap and kill his parents. In
childhood, as the oldest brother, Anson is always responsible to guide his siblings and he has never rebelled to his parents.
According to Hurlock “The changes in personality classifies in three major categories; better versus worse, quantitative versus qualitative, slow versus rapid
changes” 120–122. Anson’s personality change can be categorized as better versus worse, because Anson fails to make adjustments. Psychological abuse
happened in his childhood makes him self-love and self-pity. He fails to build social contact. He becomes more ambitious and arrogant.
The theory of rationality and shame games make him lose his shame feeling, even guilt feeling. His parents have never taught him about moral value of
life. They just focus on child-rearing system and the achievement. They have never realized that they have corrupted and isolated their child from normal
society. It makes Anson sociopath. As the parents, Daniel and Kathy have never tried to understand what their child needs. They always force Anson to fulfill their
expectation. As the parents, Daniel and Kathy do not understand the concept of rearing child.
CHAPTER V CONCLUSIONS AND SUGGESTIONS
This chapter presents two major points. Those are conclusions and suggestions. The conclusions deal with the personality of Anson Rafferty,
physical and psychological abuse in the childhood, and the influence of parents’ abuse to Anson personality development. The suggestions consist of the
recommendation for further research on this topic and for teaching learning activities which related to literary works.
A. Conclusions
This part outlines three main parts. Those are the personality of Anson Rafferty in Dean Koontz’s The Husband, the kinds of abuses happens to Anson,
and the influence of parents’ abuse to Anson’s personality development. Anson Rafferty is portrayed as an obedient son. He is the most dutiful to
his parents, he never rebels to his parents through his childhood. Through his childhood, Anson becomes favorite boy for both parents and his siblings. The
author gives direct comment to Anson’s character. Anson is also described as a smart student from author’s direct comment and Anson’s reaction. He can earn
bachelor’s degree in two years, a master’s in one, and a Ph.D. at the age of twenty-three. He succeeds in academic field in his young age. Through personal
description, the author gives direct comment and description, Anson is described as masculine man. Anson’s past life shapes his personality. His dreams in the past
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