Home: Character: Jackson's Wife – Higher English SQA Revision

Home: Character: Jackson’s Wife Overview

Jackson’s Wife is a female character in Iain Crichton Smith’s short story, “Home”.
She is Jackson’s compassionate and patient companion, responding to his dementia and hallucinations with empathy and care.
Key themes linked to her character include love, compassion and endurance.

Compassion is a prominent character trait which Jackson’s wife embodies. Her patience and understanding with Jackson’s condition is clear throughout the story.
Despite the challenges, she maintains a sense of respect for Jackson and doesn’t demean him because of his dementia. She treats him with kindness and patience even when he can’t remember who she is.
She maintains a sense of optimism and remains thoughtful and patient, speaking affectionately to Jackson even in the most challenging times. This showcases her emotional strength.

Jackson’s wife is largely portrayed in the story through indirect characterisation: readers learn more about her from her actions, attitudes, and dialogue, rather than direct descriptions of her character.
Employing third-person narrative, the story allows for a deep insight into the psyche of the characters.

Throughout “Home”, the theme of love is explored extensively through Jackson’s wife. Despite the hardships that dementia brings, her affection and care for Jackson never waiver.
The theme of compassion is intrinsic to her character, manifested in her constant care for Jackson and her patience in dealing with his condition.
The aspect of endurance stands out as she continues to stay by Jackson’s side in spite of his deteriorating mental health.

Jackson’s Wife is portrayed as a kind, patient, and empathetic character.
She never gives up on Jackson, standing as a symbol of unconditional care and love.
She exhibits enormous emotional strength and resilience in the face of adversity.

From the beginning to the end, Jackson’s wife remains a constant anchor in Jackson’s life which is increasingly dominated by hallucinations and forgetfulness.
At various points, her character offers a sense of stability and continuity in a story with a rapidly disintegrating central character. Her steadfastness amidst chaos is a crucial aspect of the story.
She provides the emotional climax of the narrative when she reassures a flustered Jackson, infusing a sense of calm and warmth into what could have been a bleak narrative.