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In the book, McDowell is portrayed as a father, husband, lover, doctor, philanthropist, mountain climber, musician, trekker, friend, writer,political figure etc.Which of these roles were dominant, and how did they all contribute to McDowell's character development in the story?

If there was any dominant side of him, I think it was that of being a father. It seemed to overshadow his other sides and led to his final undoing. He was first of all a father before a surgeon in my own thinking. It was an aspect of him that underwent several changes in the story.

Several of his roles were dominant throughout the book, his role as father was evident in part one and two, he remains very much a major support for his son and daughter and is at his daughter's side at her time of the greatest need when her lesbian lover abandons her. His role as a desirable friend and lover is also etched throughout the book.

I think his roles of father and successful surgeon were the most important to him.
Even though it was hidden in the beginning of the book, he had to have a compassionate side to be a successful doctor.

I think different circumstances brought out different aspects of his personality. However, throughout the story, his role as a father was always evident.

McDowell's role as a philanthropist was the most prominent, specially that part when McDowell was trying to become a president of the medical college by any true or false way, was the most favorite.

In the novel, McDowell has been portrayed as a multidimensional character. I liked him as a father, doctor, musician, mountain climber, and philanthropist. As a father, he guided and helped his daughter Sophie and son Billy. He tried to contact his children even when he was a fugitive. He comforted and financed his daughter when she was in trouble. I guess this is the prominent role he played in life.

As a surgeon, he served the society for many years. He was an honest doctor. He built a hospital in Nepal for the poor people.

While roaming from place to place like a fugitive, he used his musical talent and earned his living. People recognized his musical talent and gathered in plenty for his music show.

He climbed most of the mountain peaks on the Himalayas. Plus, he climbed many mountains in the United States. It was his favorite hobby.

He was a philanthropist. He built a hospital in Nepal for the poor people. He was interested to become the president of The College of Surgeons. He wanted to serve society as a doctor.

Interesting question! My idea is that all the roles he performs in the novel are actually subordinate to his main characteristic, his egocentrism. He can never be truly a father or a surgeon or a musician if he lacks humanity and empathy.

The dominant side of him was that of being a father. It was a major factor in his prison conviction and afterwards.

MCDowell is a surgeon who is also involved in philanthropy. He is fond of trekking. These are few of the aspects that help to develop the character. But most importantly it is about his journey of life where he is involved in several other things also on the way and is able to understand life more closely.

cristinaro wrote: ↑09 Nov 2018, 10:27 Interesting question! My idea is that all the roles he performs in the novel are actually subordinate to his main characteristic, his egocentrism. He can never be truly a father or a surgeon or a musician if he lacks humanity and empathy.

I think he could not be a true father or a professional as long as he lacked empathy and kindness. He became a true philanthropist by the end of his run. At the moment when he saved Kitsy's life, he could not care less about who he was or should be. His egocentrism vanished.

For me, his dominant side is definitely his role as a father. Throughout the story, one thing that never fades is his relationship with his kids. He keeps in touch with them and finds it important to make sure that they live a good life. He helps them with the financial side of things but also supports them emotionally.

His music side was also quite important. When he was living on the streets, it was his only talent with which he could try and make some money. He met a lot of people with his music.

I felt like his role as father was one of the most important to him. He helped his children as much as he could personally and in their careers. He may not have been the best father but it seemed like it was important to him

He did loved his children very much, so I would say his role as a father was very dominant, but he ramained too naive to fully realise it. His blind ambition was what drove his life to where it reached.

The two things he considered important ( after his own self, his success and power) were his children and hiking.
as only these two things were with him till the very end.