Final answer:
The evolving relationship between Gideon and the Farquars in 'No Witchcraft for Sale' deteriorates from close to strained due to cultural misunderstandings when Gideon refuses to reveal a healing secret. By the end, the relationship is damaged, highlighting themes of colonialism and exploitation.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the story No Witchcraft for Sale by Doris Lessing, the relationship between Gideon and the Farquars evolves from mutual respect and trust to a more strained and distant dynamic. Initially, Gideon, who is a cook and a healer, is very close to the Farquar family, showing loyalty and affection towards their son, Teddy. However, after Gideon uses a local remedy to save Teddy's eyesight following an accident with a poisonous plant, tensions arise. The Farquars wish to profit from and publicize Gideon's knowledge, but he refuses to disclose the secret of the remedy, seeing it as a sacred trust belonging to his people.
At the conclusion of the story, the relationship is fundamentally altered; a division has arisen through cultural and social differences and a lack of understanding. The Farquars feel betrayed by Gideon's refusal, and Gideon sees their desire to exploit his knowledge as a betrayal of the personal and almost familial relationship he had with them.
The events in the story have a significant impact on the relationship dynamics, with the final situation reflecting broader themes of colonialism, exploitation, and cultural misunderstanding. Gideon becomes more withdrawn, and the Farquars are left with a sense of loss and a lack of the deeper understanding they previously valued in their relationship with him. This change underscores the falling action at the end of the story, as all characters come away changed and wiser from their experiences.