I know what you mean! My great-parents had such rooster and we, the grand-kids, were all terrified of him. Never could walk around their property if he was not locked!
But, Pat, don't you think the author twisted the 'life lesson'?
Correct me if I am wrong: the one who stepped off her own path did it not to seek new adventures, was not advancing in a different direction, but retreated regretfully intimidated by the one who refused to be bullied, stood it's ground and kept it's self-respect.
RE: climbing on C.S