Blog 4B: Notable Moment

While reading Redwall, the character of Abbot attracted my attention.  On page 15 Abbot says, “ Listen to what I say, Matthis.  You have been like a son to me, ever since you first came to our gates as an orphaned woodland mouse, begging to be taken in.   Come, sit by me and I will try to explain to you what our Order is all about.”  Abbot seems to play the role as a father figure and a guidance counselor.  In many fantasy books I have noticed there is a character similar to him.  For instance in The Hobbit,  Gandolf was full of knowledge.  He protected the dwarves when he could, and guided them with the best of his ability. In the Harry Potter series, Dumbledore is similar to the character of Abbot.  Dumbledore is the only person Harry can always rely on for advice, and Dumbledore takes him in similar to Abbot and Matthias.  Dumbledore is Harry’s father figure, as Abbot is Matthias’ father figure.  Without the role of the older and wiser man, it would not make these books as interesting.  This ties into children literature because I believe the author is trying to connect to the reader.  The author is assuming that children will relate to the situation of accepting advice from a father figure.  Growing up I questioned my father, and he always gave me advice.  There is something special about the character of Abbot.  I am interested to see if he makes it through the story without passing away.