Mother and Son: "Conclusion"

Mother and Son: “Conclusion”

“Mother and Son” - Conclusion

Overview

  • The story “Mother and Son” is another representative piece by Iain Crichton Smith.
  • It presents a moving portrayal of love, isolation, frustration, and generational differences.

Relationships

  • The central bond in this story is between the mother and son, illustrating a struggle to communicate effectively.
  • His mother has a limited vocabulary and often communicates using only Gaelic, which frustrates the son who is more comfortable with English.

Isolation

  • There exists an emotional isolation between the two due to the language barrier.
  • The son can’t express the full depth of his love for his mother due to their conflicting language preferences.

Frustration and Compassion

  • The son is frustrated by his inability to properly communicate with his mother. However, his love for her and his understanding of her isolation induces compassion within him.
  • The son’s frustration is not only with the language barrier, but also with the restrictive and conservative society they live in.

Language and Understanding

  • The son is educated and affluent in the English language while the mother struggles to find the words she needs.
  • He tries to share the world he sees through English literature, but his words fall on uncomprehending ears because of the language barrier.

Reflection on Society

  • Smith through this story reflects on the backwardness and restrictions of the Highland society.
  • He criticises the limited outlook of this society for its failure to move forward and its refusal to accept the English language and the opportunities it might bring.

Symbolism

  • The language barrier and isolation within the family symbolize the larger cultural and generational gaps in the Highland society as a whole.
  • The son’s yearning to share the beauty of English literature might signify a desire for enlightenment and progress, suppressed by traditional beliefs.

Conclusion

  • The story encapsulates the themes of love, isolation, frustration, and societal critique.
  • Smith brilliantly explores the struggle for effective communication and strives to comment on the generational and cultural chasms prevalent in the Highland society.