Jerry Morton

Jerry Morton is Isaac Morton's father, a practical parent who steps in when his son's sincere desire for purity becomes extreme. Troubled by dirty jokes at school, Isaac decides he must throw away books, records, toys, and nearly the family's National Geographic magazines. Jerry stops him before the purge goes any further. His intervention reflects a needed balance: guarding influences matters, but removing possessions cannot repair what is happening in a person's heart. Isaac must eventually learn that lesson through Whit's example of a polished clock that still cannot run. Jerry's calm boundary keeps his son from acting rashly while the deeper issue becomes clear. He provides the steady family guidance Isaac needs when fear turns a good intention into an unhealthy reaction.