Victor Ollnee's Discipline

Victor Ollnee's Discipline by Hamlin Garland follows Victor Ollnee, a college student and athlete, who faces a personal crisis when his mother comes under public attack. The novel opens with Victor waking up late after a strenuous baseball game and being confronted by his fraternity brothers, who are discussing a newspaper article accusing his mother of being a fraud. Overwhelmed by a mix of shock, shame, and anger, Victor vows to confront his mother and defend her against the scandal. The story focuses on Victor’s internal struggle as he grapples with his loyalty to his mother and the societal judgment of her controversial profession. As he navigates this emotional turmoil, Victor is forced to reevaluate his identity and beliefs about truth, reality, and family. The novel explores the tension between personal loyalty and public perception, delving into themes of belief, shame, and the complexities of familial relationships in the face of societal pressure.