Wasn't Mr Atherton in HGD another PTSD-esque sufferer? I think traditionally it's been more likely for mothers to be sick because that can be romantic (within the genre!), and it's OK for a woman to be ill on a couch, but men (even when they're absent father types) have to be manly and well and capable of supporting their families. I think when fathers are ill in books it uually follows that the family is in financial crisis because the man of the house can't support them - isn't that why Gwen has to go back home in MT?
Liss _________________________________________ Vote in the Chalet School Fanfiction Awards! http://www.chaletian.co.uk/awards/ -- ________________________________________ Girlsown mailing list [EMAIL PROTECTED] For self-administration and access to archives see http://home.it.net.au/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/girlsown For FAQs see http://www.club-web.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/girlsown/faq-0.htm
