Mother and Son: Theme: The hardship and restrictiveness of rural life

Mother and Son: Theme: The hardship and restrictiveness of rural life

Overview

• “Mother and Son” is a poignant short story by Iain Crichton Smith.
• The narrative encapsulates the hardships and restrictiveness of living in a rural environment.

Setting

• The story is set in a remote Scottish island, representing the harshness and desolation of rural life.
• The isolation of the characters is amplified by the geographical circumstances of their locations.

Characters

• The son represents the straining desire to break free from the boundaries of his rural existence.
• The mother, constrained by age and tradition, contrasts her son’s desire for change and symbolises the bind to rural life.

Themes

• Hardship and Restrictiveness of Rural Life: The characters’ struggle with the harsh living conditions and lack of opportunities underscore this major theme.
• Generational Conflict and desire for Change: The son’s aspirations conflict with the mother’s traditional outlook, mirroring the struggle between old and new.

Symbolism and Imagery

• The rural setting: The island, its harsh weather and terrain serve as a powerful symbol of the characters’ restrictive life.
• The burnt peat: Symbolises the son’s dissatisfaction and the suffocating nature of the rural island life.
• Birds: The son’s fascination with them could represent his longing for freedom and change.

Language and Style

• Crichton Smith’s style is straightforward, utilising evocative descriptions of the harsh rural setting.
• Dialect: The dialogue in rural dialect serves to highlight the stark reality of the characters’ isolated lifestyle.

Conclusion

• “Mother and Son” brings to light the often overlooked hardships of rural life.
• Crichton Smith skillfully captures the restrictive atmosphere of the rural setting, the generational conflict, and the longing for something beyond this existence.