That particular passage evokes a mental image of some perpetually hung over slattern, literate but otherwise lacking in basic intelligence, rewarding her perpetually lying son with a cookie. Is there any doubt what this boy will grow up to be? He never had a chance.
Sounds like you nailed it. Naturally, no man around. She probably expects her son to be a liar since he is a male. Don't femi-commies always assume the worst from males, anyway?
Yeah and you notice where she's feeding him beer? Hope it was a parody.