stures towards Melony but are denied anappropriate response. Melony, had several unfortunate experiences in foster homes . . . Melony had run awayfrom the second and third foster families, alleging that the men in the families,either fathers or brothers, had taken a sexual interest in her . . . In casenumber six: the husband had died of a heart attack shortly after Melonys arrival,and the wife had sent the girl back to St.Clouds, (John Irving, P.89-90).Melony responds to the foster families efforts with viscous abuse. The attitude and hatredshe continually exhibits prevents her from experiencing familial love with the fosterfamilies but ruins the family relationships she is introduced into as well. Melonysbitterness and consequent lack of familial love will hinder her development of futurerelationships, ultimately ruin her chances of true happiness.The relationships within a persons family influence the romantic experiencesthroughout his/her lifetime. Romance further satisfies an individuals need for love andbelonging. Melonys ongoing bitterness towards others ruins her romantic relationships.She experiences few romantic encounters throughout her lifetime, achieving a substandardlevel of satisfaction. Melonys first significant romantic relationship is with Homer Wells,and orphan at St.Clouds. Rather than base their romantic connection on love and mutualrespect, instead sex, physical appearances and a childhood promise become the basis fortheir union. Homers guardian, knew, he had to get his apprentice away from Melony. The two of them together:How they depressed Larch! They struck the doctor as a tired and loveless marriedcouple. What sexual tension Melony had managed to conduct between them in theearlier years of their angry courtship seemed absent now. If they still practice asexual exchange, they practiced infrequently and without enthusiasm. . . It appeared to Doctor Larch that some wordless, joyless bond existed betweenthem, (J...
