In Tobias Wolff's short story "Powder," the relationship between the father and son is complex and multifaceted. The story follows the son, an unnamed narrator, as he embarks on a ski trip with his father, who is described as a "big, blond, handsome man" with a "rowdy" personality. Despite their shared love of skiing, the father and son have a strained relationship, with the son feeling overshadowed and resentful of his father's larger-than-life personality.
One of the central themes of the story is the father's need for control and the son's desire to break free from it. The father is described as a "taskmaster" who is constantly pushing the son to ski faster and better. He is also highly critical of the son's skiing, frequently pointing out his mistakes and shortcomings. The son, on the other hand, wants to prove himself to his father and seeks his approval, but he also wants to be his own person and make his own decisions.
The father's controlling nature is also evident in the way he treats the son's mother. The son observes that his mother is "afraid" of his father and that he "bullies" her. This dynamic between the father and mother further fuels the son's resentment towards his father and contributes to the strained relationship between them.
Despite the tension between the father and son, there are moments of genuine love and connection. For example, the father takes the time to teach the son how to ski and shares his love of the sport with him. The son also admires his father's skill as a skier and looks up to him as a role model.
Overall, "Powder" paints a nuanced picture of the father-son relationship, exploring the tensions, conflicts, and moments of connection that can exist between a parent and child. It is a reminder that even the most complex relationships can be shaped by love, respect, and the desire to understand and support one another.