Mother and Son: Character: Mother

“Mother and Son: Character: Mother”

Overview

The mother in “Mother and Son” is one of the pivotal characters in Iain Crichton Smith’s narrative.
She embodies traditional Highland culture and is emblematic of the older generation’s dilemma in adjusting to modernity.

Characteristics

The mother’s character is defined by her limited vocabulary, dependence on Gaelic, and her struggle to adapt to the English language.
She is a representation of the obsolete and shrinking Gaelic culture, struggling to survive in a dynamically changing world.
The mother is considered old-fashioned and conservative, clinging to her outdated customs and values.

Communication

She communicates inefficiently with her son due to her dependance on Gaelic.
This inability to communicate with her son leads to a feeling of emotional isolation, both for her and her son.
Her struggle to adapt to English highlights the larger issues regarding language barrier faced by the old generation.

Relationship with her son

There is an obvious affection towards her son, though they struggle to express their feelings due to the language barrier.
Despite the conflicts and differences, her son exhibits compassion towards her, loving her unconditionally.
Her inability to fully understand her son’s world leads to a sense of helplessness and detachment.

Significance

She symbolises the wider diaspora of the Gaelic-speaking population trying to survive amidst the dominance of English.
Her struggles reflect the challenges faced by the older generation in adjusting to a rapidly changing society.

Conclusion

The mother’s character captures the essence of a culture and generation caught between past traditions and future prospects.
She depicts the struggle of the Gaelic-speaking population in dealing with linguistical and cultural adaptation in changing times.