How is the idea of patriarch (and patriarchy) presented in the Regeneration?

Patriarchy: a social system in which men are regarded as the authority within the family and society. In Regeneration the government highlights the importance of their role and symbolize the patriarchy in society. Although the government is not a single man, it is a collaboration of men who believe they are the authority, the patriarchs of their society; it is their duty to take care of their people.

In Regeneration the men that are of the high social class are qualified to be the patriarchs of society, although Barker does apply this to all her characters. Prior’s father contradicts this ideology as he is of a low social class but is still the patriarchal figure within his own family. Furthermore he does embrace his role as patriarch. We see this when Rivers and Prior’s father meet for the first time. Both patriarchs look down upon each. Similarly Prior’s character also doesn’t fit the stereotype as he is born in the working class but has risen within society. He has earned his title as patriarch because he works as a clerk and later on becomes as officer during the war. During the war we notice that Prior feels superior to his soldiers and almost disapproves of their behaviour. Rivers’ character is a psychiatric doctor at Craiglockhart who has been placed there under government control. His aim is to cure soldiers who have war neurosis and have them sent back to the war. Despite his obedience, Rivers has his own opinion and agenda on matters and deviates from his role and stereotype.