Question

Explain the following statement with reference to the context.

Because your father can't do without my help.

Answer 1

This dialogue is said by Hovstad to Petra, shortly after Petra discovers that the only reason Hovstad had offered support to her father was because of his own attraction to her. This discovery infuriates Petra and she voices her disappointment and mistrust of Hovstad. In response to her bitterness, Hovstad remarks that she should be careful not to be rude to him because her father needs his help. The dialogue is clearly meant as a threat as if to say that if Petra offends Hovstad, he would withdraw his support to her father.