Physical Abuse

As a child, Hollis is abandoned and neglected by his own family. When Hollis comes to live with the Murrays, he is undernourished and unable to trust that there will always be enough food to fill the emptiness in his soul. Hollis' presence is resented by Alan Murray, his adoptive brother. This causes a great deal of tension between the two men, leading to a beating that leaves Hollis once again feeling isolated and alone. As Hollis grows older, he fails to let go of the hurts that have brought him to this place in his life. Then, when Henry Murray dies, Hollis finds himself at the mercy of Alan Murray. Alan banishes Hollis to the attic and orders him to pay back every penny ever shelled out for his care. Hollis does and then quickly disappears to make his fortune.

When Hollis returns to Jenkintown, he...