“The Son’s Veto” and “Samphire” Essay Example

the control of a fastidious son.

Randolph assumes the role of the authoritative figure, leaving Sophie to play second fiddle. Despite being born into privilege, he has become arrogant and snobbish, while Sophie continues to lead a simpler and more appreciative lifestyle, reflective of her upbringing. This ordinary way of life is the cause of Randolph's frustration as he belittles Sophie by correcting her speech. This correction only serves to highlight Sophie's perceived inferiority, which could have been avoided had she stood up for herself and recognized her own authority. Unfortunately, Sophie failed to discipline Randolph when he was younger, and instead, allowed her husband to spoil him rotten. With plans for Oxford and ordination after completing his education at a public school, it was understandable for Sophie to emulate her husband's parenting style by hastily adopting Randolph's correction.

Despite her kind and patient nature, Sophy is constantly subjected to unjust, selfish decisions made for her by her son Randolph, who believes he knows what is best for her due to his superior education. Sadly, Sophy accepts these resolutions with misery, despite feeling deep annoyance at her son's self-centered attitude. Throughout the story, Sophy is portrayed as a docile and weak figure, made even more so by a tragic accident that has left her dependent on others and confined to a wheelchair. Despite these challenges, she endures Randolph's constant rectifying with grace and understanding.

This results in a loss of control and dependence on others, likely contributing to an individual's low self-esteem. The distress and exhaustion from losing the natural ability to walk can be overwhelming. Coping with the constant challenges of daily tasks such

as taking walks and noticing the change in attitudes and personality of others can be humiliating. Being treated as an invalid and as a child can be degrading and impact one's self-image. Sophy ultimately accepted these challenges, leading to a sense of defeat and giving up that is frustrating.

Each individual should be able to manage their own life as they see fit, regardless of others' opinions. Sophy would have been much happier if she had pursued what she truly wanted in life instead of giving in to depression and nervousness. Molly, on the other hand, was held back by her fear of heights, which caused her to feel mental pain and reduced her to trembling and writhing when faced with her phobia." The depth of Molly's fear was evident, as seen in the trembling of her chin like a child on the verge of tears.

Both women are distant, both mentally and physically. Molly remains in the middle class while Sophy moves from lower to high society, but this change doesn't make her happy. She feels it is unfamiliar and compared to her original bearings, even though it doesn't seem bad at all. Nonetheless, they both share a feeling of helplessness, as something strong in Sophy's throat prevents her from speaking even if it means her life.

Both Sophy and Molly are emotionally distant and feel misunderstood by their loved ones. Sophy's son and Molly's husband both lack understanding of how their mother/wife functions, which would greatly benefit their relationships. Molly's husband appears to have little awareness of his wife's fears, loves, and dislikes – crucial knowledge for a successful marriage. He seems to prioritize his

own needs above all else, though he does display some concern for Molly towards the end when he tries to defend himself by claiming the push was an accident, even if his true motives were more self-serving than protective of Molly.

Sophy's son, Randolph, lacks empathy and prioritizes his own wealth and image over his mother's happiness. Despite his intelligence, he remains selfish and stubborn towards her, revealing a spoiled personality. Their strained relationship causes sorrow and echoes similarities to Molly from another tale who stays with her abusive husband as she has no one else in her life. She is ashamed of him and avoids eye contact when standing near the door.

Although the husband occasionally touches and fondles her, there is a noticeable absence of warmth and affection in their relationship, revealing a shallow connection between them. The woman appears desolate and defenseless, indicating that she remains attached to her insensitive and unrelatable partner for other motives. Despite his failure to show mutual feelings, she still honors him and yearns to enhance their bond so they can restore a typical marital relationship. It's disheartening to witness her inability to recognize her situation or assert herself.

It's clear that Sophy suffers from low self-esteem, which makes me feel even more sorry for her. Additionally, she finds it difficult to connect with her son who attends boarding school for most of the year. I can only imagine how painful it must be for Sophy to realize that she has nothing in common with her child and then have him cruelly view her as an embarrassment and a nuisance. Her son considers himself part of a higher class and

looks down on his mother, whom he sees as a burden.

Despite being distant, the bond between Sophy and her son is similar to Molly's. However, it is Sophy who works hard to improve their relationship by compromising and addressing her son's concerns. Her dedication to ensuring her son's satisfaction is admirable, although it is unfortunate that she receives nothing in return. Sophy's affectionate character is evidenced through the love and fondness she shows towards her son, as well as her dependability. Both women are depicted as obedient towards their male counterparts.

Despite her potential reluctance, Molly abides by what her spouse says, suggesting they go without tea the next day to compensate. Although she may not share the same opinions, she appears to have embraced her subordinate position and never opposes her husband's proposals, and even if it terrifies her, she still adheres to his wishes. For example, when he commanded her to look around, she clung to the thin grass in a frenzy. Sophy lacked reinforcement, which is why she hastily wedded the Reverend, although she did not harbor any romantic feelings for him. It is frustrating that she chose this course of action rather than waiting for her actual lover, Sam.

If Sophy had married Sam instead of staying unmarried, she would have lived a much more joyful and fulfilling life. She spent a significant portion of her life alone, but if she had married Sam they could have worked together and achieved success. However, as a woman in the nineteenth century and starting as a parlour maid, she had no authority. Therefore, in a way, getting married was an escape from hard

labour and servitude. Unfortunately, her son's stern nameless wishes prevented her from taking the life-altering decision that could have changed everything for the better, which is sad and frustrating.

The true obedience and loyalty of Sophy towards her son is evident in this situation. Despite having the ability to deceive him, she chooses to adhere to his wishes. It is frustrating to see Sophy sacrifice her life for an ungrateful and selfish person who exclaims, "I am ashamed of you! It will ruin me." Her son shows little empathy towards her and fails to understand her unhappiness, preferring to focus on his own desires. Randolph opposes Sophy's situation due to his belief that Sam is not a gentleman.

Despite his mother needing fulfillment and exhilaration in life from Sophy's marriage to Sam, he refuses to agree because he deems it degrading. Sophy doesn't necessarily need his approval, but due to her pleasing nature, she hasn't married Sam yet. Her son's egotistical behavior, including using a harsh tone when speaking with her, crushes her personality. Despite this, Sophy remains committed to her son by obeying his wishes and attending his yearly cricket match, although she has no real interest in it. Had Sophy been stronger and more unrelenting, the story may have ended differently. Nonetheless, her sacrificial devotion and love towards her son should be praised, despite resulting in loneliness and wretchedness for Sophy.

The story illustrates the injustice of life, as the woman "pines her heart away." Both stories share the common theme that the female protagonists lack confidence and as a result, are profoundly unhappy. Neither can advocate for themselves or express their true

emotions, which is critical for anyone to be able to do. Sophy faces the additional challenge of living in a time when women who dared to voice their opinions faced increasing discrimination.

The idea of women having the same authority as men was not well-liked and unpopular, particularly for widows who had no one to share their opinions with until Sam intervened, but Randolph quickly ended that. As for Molly, her lack of self-confidence may never be overcome due to her husband's domineering and controlling nature. It saddens me that both women may have had much to contribute to society if these circumstances were not present.

Despite the societal expectation that women are the weaker sex, both female characters in the stories display remarkable levels of patience and tolerance. However, this admirable trait often leads to their mistreatment and unfair treatment. The portrayal of both women as silent and incapable of making their own decisions is infuriating, as outsiders can see their potential for bravery and strength. For instance, Sophy's reluctance to ride with Sam is eventually overridden, and he helps her onto his wagon. While this may seem like a simple action, it was frowned upon for a widow to ride with an unmarried man at the time.

Molly exhibited bravery and deserves recognition for it. Her courageous acts include agreeing to go up a cliff despite having an extreme fear. This demonstrates her determination to conquer her fear for the sake of herself and her husband, reflecting her considerate nature. Additionally, Molly quickly demonstrates courage when presented with the opportunity to permanently rid herself of her burdensome spouse.

Despite her failure, Molly's attempt to remove her husband

from her life displays her bravery and potential for growth. Though her method of pushing him off a cliff is extreme, her mistreatment from him can justify it. Molly's character is highlighted in a positive and strong way through this event. Though it is frustrating that she did not succeed, the description of her weak arms during the attempt generates empathy for her despair.

As you continue reading, time seems to slow down, and the outcome is revealed - Molly is motionless and at peace. Despite her failure, Molly remains composed and takes charge as her husband struggles to come to terms with what has happened. He is like a frightened child seeking comfort, but it seems that he may have some compassion towards Molly. However, she feels neither regret nor contentment - only despair that she did not have the strength to push through. Her face turns towards the ground, and metaphorically she feels as though she is dead inside. Like in "The Son's Veto," the story ends tragically, with Sophy's empty death. This realization deeply upsets me.

The woman experienced a significant decline in both her emotional and spiritual well-being, as evidenced by her lack of leaving the house. This demonstrates her feeling of sadness and abandonment - a tragic fate for someone who deserves better. Comparing her story to the heart-wrenching tale of the samphire, it is difficult to determine which is more pitiable. Ultimately, I empathize with both women greatly. However, I feel a slight inclination towards Molly due to her inability to overcome her traumatic experience and continuing to live in a state of melancholy.

Although acting implausibly may have slightly elevated

her position, it is unlikely that her husband's sudden change in attitude towards her will last. I have great sorrow for Sophy and the sad, empty life she has lived. Unhappiness has plagued her since marrying the Reverend instead of Sam, leaving both her and Sam solitary. Understanding the importance of having a companion, I feel immense compassion for these women who have no one to confide in.

Without any assistance or support, they must confront their wretched existences alone.