Percy is primarily angry at his dad because he never married Percy's mom, which directly led to Percy and his mother having to live with the abusive "Smelly Gabe."
Understanding Percy's Frustration
Percy's anger stems from a deep-seated resentment regarding the circumstances of his upbringing. He feels that his father's absence and lack of commitment to his mother put them in a vulnerable and undesirable situation.
- Unmarried Parents: A significant source of Percy's ire is his father's failure to marry his mother. This decision, or lack thereof, meant that his mother didn't have the protective or stable influence that a committed partner might provide, especially given her unique circumstances.
- Life with Smelly Gabe: As a direct consequence of his father's absence and not marrying his mom, Percy and his mother were forced to endure living with Smelly Gabe Ugliano. Gabe is a detestable figure known for his laziness, gambling habits, and abusive behavior, making their home life incredibly unpleasant and unsafe for Percy.
- Feelings of Abandonment: While not explicitly stated, the anger over his father's marital status implies a deeper feeling of abandonment or neglect, as his father's actions (or inactions) had severe repercussions on Percy's daily life and safety.
The Impact of Absence and Unfulfilled Promises
The emotional toll of these circumstances is evident in Percy's reaction. His anger isn't just about the past but also about the ongoing implications for his safety and stability.
- Percy's distress extends to fears of being sent away again, a common occurrence in his life due to the strange and dangerous events that constantly surround him at various schools. He questions his mom about whether he will be sent away once more, highlighting his anxiety about constant upheaval.
- His mother explains that these difficult decisions, like sending him away, are "for Percy's own good" to "keep him safe." This justification, however, clashes with Percy's own experiences, as he recalls "all the scary and unsafe things that have happened to him at every school." This contradiction only fuels his frustration, suggesting that his father's actions (and the subsequent need for these safety measures) have failed to truly protect him.
In essence, Percy's anger is a natural reaction to feeling let down, unprotected, and subjected to a difficult life directly resulting from his powerful, yet absent, father's choices.
