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.