The depiction of the parent/guardian relationship in “Sredni Vashtar” by Hector Hugh Munro and “Thus I Refute Beelzy” by John Collier demonstrates the devastating effects on Conradin and about little Simon's well-being due to negligence. The sole purpose of the parent/guardian relationship is to provide the child with protection, nourishment, ongoing affection, and an adequate amount of freedom. Failure to provide these four essential elements affects children psychologically and physically. For starters, both Conradin and Small Simon in “Sredni Vashtar” and “So I Refute Beelzy” (respectively), protection from famine by their guardian and parents (Munro & Collier). Although Mrs. de Ropp takes responsibility as Conradin's guardian, her callous personality prevents her from providing Conradin with extensive protection. Protecting a child by providing shelter is by far one of the most important aspects of being a parent or guardian. Even though Mrs. de Ropp offers Conradin a home, it is still dangerous to be near her guardian as she is vicious in nature. In fact, Conradin manages to find "refuge" in a small tool shed in his courtyard (Munro). The irony is that Mrs. de Ropp's house is described as warm, however, the small rusty tool shed provides Conradin with more warmth, comfort, and protection than his own home. Mrs. de Ropp's personality further begins to disturb Conradin's source of protection, and in turn Conradin cannot grow psychologically, as he has become quite difficult when lacking a safe environment to express himself. Conradin's insufficient protection can be demonstrated when he befriends a ferret and names him Sredni Vashtar, whom he also worships as God. Although Mrs. de Ropp should have been Conr... in the center of the card... the imagination, which ran rampant under the stimulus of solitude, he would have succumbed long ago." (Munro). Although limited by freedom, Conradin manages to use his imagination; something over which his guardian has no power, to use when it is forbidden to visit the tool shed (Munro). Although Mrs. de Ropp is unaware of Conradin using his imagination, Mr. Carter confronts Small Simon and makes it very clear that the imagination is unhealthy, as it is not a thought. rational. To take away the power of the imagination is to take away the freedom that every child is entitled to. In conclusion, Conradin and Small Simon are deprived of security, nourishment, affection and freedom. Np: np, nd The story of John Collier: So I refute Beelzy. Network. 01 December 2013.Munro, Hector HNp: np, nd Short stories by Saki. Network. 01 December. 2013.