The Dead Father Author:Donald Barthelme Barthelme encapsulates ideas about the meaning of fathers and fatherhood in this parabolic tale of a son, his wife, and his 'brothers' who drag and tow a gargantuan 'father' to his final resting place. Although 'dead,' the father is quite talkative, and on the long journey he engages his sons on their shortcomings and solidifies his criticisms w... more »ith "A Manual for Sons," which he carries in his hollow leg.« less