Readers see Homer grow, see how he gets to know the people in his life who influence him and his beliefs. Watching Homer grow, the audience connects with him. An attachment develops between the reader and the character, allowing the reader to truly get a sense of Homer's mindset and why Homer decides to return to St. Cloud's at the end of the novel and carry on Dr. Larch's legacy , even if that's not what he wants. what he believes in. She says in the novel that “I think [abortion] is wrong, but I also think it should be everyone's personal choice” Irving (431). He also states that "[an embryo] is a child to me" (Irving 174). The audience learns these details and Homer's reasoning in believing that a fetus has a soul. He realized he doesn't believe in abortion at a young age, but readers see him progress over the years and understand why he decides to return to St. Cloud's to carry on his mentor.