Socks

Upon going home with the Brickers, Socks starts the process of forming new relationships with Bill, Marilyn, and, later, Charles William. Through the exploration of these forming relationships, the novel explores the strife and growth required for bonds to be made, especially when new relationships emerge. Initially, Socks is the only creature the Brickers care for. As a result, they dote on Socks and give him everything he wants, which results in Socks taking the attention and love for granted. With the arrival of Charles William, Socks’s relationship with Bill and Marilyn becomes strained by the couple’s responsibility to their new son. Rather than the focus of their attention, Socks becomes an afterthought, which triggers feelings of neglect for Socks. Since he is unable to communicate his feelings to the Brickers in a way they understand, Socks acts out by stealing food and biting, hoping such actions will win back the attention he craves. These actions only drive a deeper wedge between Socks and the Brickers, which is later fixed when Old Taylor wounds Socks. Realizing Socks needs help breaks the barrier between Socks and the Brickers. Bill and Marilyn offer Socks attention and love because he needs it and, as the Brickers realize, they never stopped caring about the cat.