Exploring the Character of H.W. Plainview in 'There Will Be Blood'

In the movie 'There Will Be Blood', H.W. Plainview bears a heavy burden of adopted sonhood throughout his life. What is the significance behind Daniel's accusation of H.W. being a 'bastard from a basket'? Let's delve into the emotional depths and complex character dynamics of H.W. Plainview.

Context of the Accusation

Throughout the film, H.W. Plainview faces a tumultuous journey, marked by a perception of being rejected and unloved. The climactic moment comes when H.W. Plainview shouts that Daniel is a 'bastard from a basket', which serves as a exacerbated form of emotional turmoil.

Scene Analysis: The Train Station

During a poignant train scene, Daniel, known as H.W.’s adoptive father, sends H.W. to a boys home. As H.W. boards the train, a single tear falls from Daniel’s eye, reflecting his internal struggle. This scene underscores the complexity of their father-son relationship. Daniel’s act of sending H.W. away is a seemingly final emotional goodbye, yet it is marred by his struggle to come to terms with the impending loss.

It is quite clear that Daniel's tears signify a deep, perhaps last, moment of hope that H.W. would reconsider staying with him. However, his repeated declaration of H.W. being a 'bastard from a basket' is a window into his psychological warfare. This declaration serves not only to distance himself emotionally but also to reinforce his own belief that H.W. lacks true affection or a familial bond.

Character Dynamics: The Heartbreak and Motives

Underlying H.W. Plainview’s actions is a profound sense of betrayal and abandonment. Daniel’s decision to become H.W.’s caregiver and father after his own father’s death represents a significant misstep in his business and personal life. This act reverses the natural family hierarchy and propels H.W. into a role that he neither understood nor willingly accepted.

The accusation from a basket symbolizes the fabricated nature of their relationship. H.W. is an orphan, found in the desert, and adopted by someone he thought was his real father. This act disrupts the traditional bond of blood and creates a new, often unstable and fraught, attachment.

Building Hatred and Disillusionment

Over the years, H.W. Plainview has built a deep-seated hatred and resentment towards Daniel. Each interaction between them seems to escalate their animosity, with Daniel viewing H.W. as a malignant influence and H.W. feeling like he is being oppressed and misused. The acknowledgment that H.W. has none of Daniel Plainview in him signifies a profound break in their relationship, a complete failure of the father-son bond.

Conclusion: Emotional and Psychological Impact

The film 'There Will Be Blood' explores the dark depths of human relationships, particularly those forged in the shadow of power and fortune. The accusation of being a 'bastard from a basket' is emblematic of the emotional turmoil and entrenched resentments in this relationship. It highlights how broken familial bonds can tear at the very fabric of personal identity and destiny.

Ultimately, the character of H.W. Plainview represents a complex blend of vulnerability, resentment, and defiance. His narrative within the film serves as a powerful commentary on the enduring impact of adoption and the intricate dynamics at play in the formation of family.