Conrad Fisher quit football primarily because his father loved his success in the sport, leading Conrad to distance himself from anything that connected him to his father's approval.
Understanding Conrad's Core Motivation
Conrad's decision to quit football was deeply rooted in his relationship with his father. Throughout the narrative, particularly as revealed in We'll Always Have Summer, it becomes clear that his father's character and actions significantly impacted Conrad. The father was depicted as having a selfish and abusive personality, often mistreating Susannah, which created a profound desire in Conrad to separate himself from his father's influence and interests.
The Influence of His Father's Actions
Conrad's father found great satisfaction and pride in Conrad's achievements on the football field. For Conrad, this connection between his father's approval and his own athletic success became unbearable. To sever ties with his father's pervasive negative influence and to assert his independence, Conrad chose to abandon a sport his father so cherished. This act was a way for Conrad to create distance from a relationship that was emotionally taxing and rooted in mistreatment.
Key Factors Influencing Conrad's Decision:
| Aspect of Father's Personality | Impact on Conrad's Decision |
|---|---|
| Loved Conrad's success in sport | Triggered Conrad's desire to detach himself from anything his father valued concerning him. |
| Selfish and abusive personality | Fueled Conrad's overarching need for emotional and personal separation from his father. |
| Frequent mistreatment of Susannah | Further solidified Conrad's resolve to distance himself from his father and his sphere of influence. |
This decision highlights Conrad's struggle for independence and his efforts to escape the shadow of his father's detrimental behavior, especially concerning his mother, Susannah. By quitting football, Conrad made a definitive statement about his desire to live on his own terms, free from his father's expectations and validation.
