Hide and Seek

"Hide and Seek" by Wilkie Collins is a novel penned in the mid-19th century (Victorian era). The story primarily revolves around the life of young Zachary Thorpe, affectionately known as "Master Zack," and his experiences within a strict family environment that grapples with issues of discipline, education, and the weight of parental expectations, particularly his father's authoritarian perspective on child-rearing. The opening portion introduces us to the Thorpe family on a dreary November Sunday in 1837, as Mr. Zachary Thorpe enforces strict discipline on his son, Zack, following the boy's unruly behavior in church. Amidst the gloomy backdrop of a rainy day and tensions within the household, we see the contrasting perspectives between Mr. Thorpe and his father-in-law, Mr. Goodworth, regarding parenting and religious education. The narrative sets the stage for the intricate familial dynamics and the conflicts surrounding Zack's upbringing, hinting at the challenges the boy will face in navigating his desires against his father's rigid expectations. As the story progresses, it promises a deeper exploration of these character relationships and the consequences of their differing beliefs.