Discuss Wallace's need for love and support during his childhood.

Lionel Wallace is the subject of most of "The Door in the Wall" by H.G. Wells. The narrator, Redmond, tells about Wallace's life, essentially from about the age of five or six to his death. Wallace's story, told by Redmond, tells of his numerous encounters with a green door in a white wall. Upon entering the door, Wallace's life changes. He is forced to make decisions for the rest of his life about either living in a fantasy world behind the green door or living in reality.
That said, Wallace's early life was filled with strife. His mother died during his birth; he was cared for by a governess, and his father (a lawyer) showed him little, if any, attention. For these reasons, Wallace's need for love and attention are obvious. Redmond states that Wallace's life was "a little grey and dull."
Therefore, when he found the magical door, and the world around him changed, it was no wonder that Wallace desired to stay in the enchanted garden. It was in the garden that Wallace felt joy and happiness. There, Wallace became "a very glad and wonder-happy little boy." All the love and support he had not received from his absent father and deceased mother was found in this place.