Mother and Son: Character: John

John: Character Analysis

John is the narrating protagonist of “Mother and Son” by Iain Crichton Smith.
He is depicted as a deeply introspective and observant character, demonstrating a keen awareness of his surroundings and the emotions of others.

John’s relationship with his mother is central to the narrative.
His guilt, frustration, and fear are evident, highlighting the emotional toll of providing care for his mother who suffers from dementia.
John delineates a marked difference between the woman his mother once was and her present condition, which only deepens his despair.
His sense of responsibility for his mother interferes with his personal freedom and creates an ambivalent connection between them.

Throughout the story, John grapples with an internal conflict, caught between the urge to escape and his commitment to his mother.
This conflict is poignantly conveyed through his recurring daydreams of escape and freedom.
His struggle with guilt is another indication of his moral dilemma, enhancing the overall emotional intensity of the narrative.

John’s character is heavily influenced by the severe isolation he experiences due to his carer role.
The character of John strikingly humanizes the plight of caregivers, illuminating their mental, emotional, and physical challenges.

John undergoes minimal character development over the course of the story, instead remaining entrenched in his sorrow and guilt.
The story’s resolution suggests a deepened acceptance of his circumstances rather than a dramatic change of situation or perspective, lending a sense of melancholy and resignation to the narrative.

Crichton Smith effectively uses imagery, symbolism, and a first-person narrative to reveal John’s feelings, thoughts, and experiences.
John’s emotions are conveyed through compelling choice of words and rhythmic sentences, emphasising the protagonists’ internal turmoil and despair.