To Own a Dragon: Reflections on Growing up Without a Father Setting & Symbolism

To Own a Dragon: Reflections on Growing up Without a Father Objects/Places

Pine Wood Car

In boyhood, Miller joins the Boy Scouts. Because he lacks a father to accompany him, his mother enlists the help of other men, especially the fathers of other Boy Scouts. She drops him off while the boys make their pine wood derby cars, a tradition in Boy Scouts. However, none of the men take the time to help Miller and his car flops in the competition. Miller remembers this as just one of the times when he felt the need for a father of his own.

Dragon

Miller remembers hearing stories of dragons in fairytales as a child. He wonders what owning a dragon would be like. He daydreams of riding a pet dragon through the sky. The, he admits that having a father appears much the same to him. He cannot fathom such a concept. He admits that Father's Day seems as foreign to him as aliens.

Boring, Oregon

Miller happens to...
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