Father And Son Essay Example
Father And Son Essay Example

Father And Son Essay Example

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  • Pages: 4 (883 words)
  • Published: October 11, 2017
  • Type: Analysis
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"Father and Son" by Bernard McLaverty is a brief tale that prioritizes the creation of believable characters. In this paper, I will demonstrate how the writer achieves this goal via plot structure, theme, setting, narrative stance, and characterisation. McLaverty renders the characters realistic by deviating from the typical five-part plot structure and instead weaving a narrative that closely mirrors their everyday existence.

The father is constantly worried about his son's safety and intends to have a conversation with him but fails to do so. On the other hand, the son is disinterested in speaking to his father and takes part in aggressive behavior, hoping that his father would display more courage. Eventually, the son is shot near his doorstep, marking the father's final opportunity to embrace him, as the son can no longer distance himself any further.

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p>Through themes, the author creates realistic characters. A significant theme in the storyline is communication. The father becomes envious when he hears his son conversing with his friends, sensing that he desires the same level of interaction with him. As a result, the son feels unloved and rejects his father. He unconsciously erects a barrier between them, much like the newspaper he holds when his father attempts to initiate conversation - "not this again." This may mean that the son does not want his father to initiate contact once more or that he is unable to talk to his father due to his extracurricular activities and does not desire his father's intervention.

The lack of communication between the characters in the story gives them a realistic portrayal, reflecting typical father-son relationships. Their family dynamics add to their authenticity, highlightin

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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.

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