Questioning the Text

The title of the story “Under the Influence” makes me automatically think about someone that drinks. Throughout the story it mentions how the children were affected by the fathers decision along with the spouse. I wonder how the author was able to incorporate the feelings of the kids while not getting too involved by telling more about the kids. The story is told from the point of view of the oldest child, which allows readers to see his experience. His children and wife were neglected due to his decision. Why might the author want to keep his addiction a household secret? It is fundamental that the readers know how the wife and children were mistreated due to an addiction they had no control over. It’s interesting knowing the father never cared about his impact on the wife and children he left around at such a young age. The story is deep textually, in the sense that readers may be able to strongly relate with the situation and giving vivid details.