Father And Son Essay Example

their struggles with expressing love for one another. Despite the father's desire to speak openly with his son about his emotions, he finds it difficult to approach him: "I must speak with him tonight at tea," he says, but later adds that "at the weekend I will speak to him." Although he deeply cares for his son, his hesitation demonstrates his uncertainty on how to communicate effectively. The father hopes for an ideal moment before initiating conversation but is uncertain when this will occur.

The authenticity of the characters in McLaverty's story is depicted through their typical interactions, particularly between a young adult male and his father. The setting further contributes to this realism, as it takes place in Belfast during a period known for its communication barriers and violence. This reflects the home life of the father and son, which is only hinted at but implied to be unpleasant - even described as having "lino" flooring.

We have a better understanding of the sounds within the house as opposed to its appearance. The sound of "snap of a switch" implies that the environment in their house is tranquil enough to hear the kettle switch click on. The author's portrayal of characters, in their actions and dialogue, is representative of how individuals in Belfast have behaved in recent history. Additionally, the narrative style used helps to establish authentic characters by revealing their true emotions, contrasting with what they express verbally to one another. It can be difficult at times to distinguish who is speaking, for instance when someone says "you should be in your bed, a man of your age", but this could indicate that the son

wants his father to retire for the night to avoid a conversation.

Presenting the father's concerns about his son's sleeplessness, the narrative stance adds realism to the characters. Additionally, characterization is another technique used by the author to enhance credibility. While the father loves his son, their relationship is strained and he is constantly anxious about his son letting him down.

In describing his son, the father likened him to a dog in terms of reliance. However, unlike a dog, the father-son relationship is strained because the son feels he does not need his father. The father wants to improve their relationship by initiating conversations, but the son rebuffs him. The son views the father as more like his mother after her passing and feels the need to become more of a man. This adds to the realism of the characters. When talking with his father, the son responds dismissively with short answers that include "Well I'm not dead."

The son appears disinterested in sharing recent life events with his father, causing the father to feel anxious about him and suspect a transition to womanhood. The father's suggestion that the son needs a haircut feels out of place and reinforces the son's sense of replacing his mother. This portrayal of secrets kept in parent-child dynamics adds credibility to the characters. Ultimately, at the end of the tale, while standing at the front door, the son gets shot.

The father speaks to his son, not believing he is dead, and sees it as his final chance to express his emotions. Despite his son being gone, the father asks if he is hurt, showing reluctance to accept his death

and seeing him as the only family left. This portrayal is true to life as many individuals struggle to acknowledge tragic events. "Father and son" by Bernard McLaverty convincingly presents realistic characters through expert use of plot structure, theme, setting, narrative stance, and characterisation.