Innledning
Isn't it ironic how freedom and human rights are considered, yet we find ourselves in a society where students lack agency in their own lives?
Parents take decisions for their children, believing it to be in their best interest, but sometimes resort to verbal abuse to assert dominance, making their kids feel small and insignificant.
Is this truly the right way to raise children? Arrhondia raises this thought-provoking question in her short story "Tom Corridan," where we meet a young Irish student determined to attend university, despite his father's opposing plans.
Utdrag
The story's social backdrop illustrates the immense responsibilities parents place on their children, especially when they belong to the lower class.
Due to the hardships stemming from low incomes, Tom's father, Frank, adamantly opposes his desire to attend University and pursue further studies.
Instead, he insists that Tom secure a job immediately to contribute to the family's financial stability, placing significant pressure on the young boy.
As the protagonist of the narrative, Tom Corridan emerges as a teenager striving to gain admission to University for his studies. Residing on Cherryfield Road, he lives with his father Frank, mother, and younger brother Joe.
Tom's inner traits and personality are revealed through his actions, private musings, and language. His aspirations shine through as he expresses an interest in learning Ancient Greek and frequently references "The Odyssey."
Despite being a young boy with dreams and a promising future, his father fails to provide support or encouragement.
Tom's resentment towards his father intensifies, continually judging the decisions he has made:
“The two of them start laughing. Fucking eejits. Belittling everyone to make out the dead end they find themselves in is a choice instead of a mistake. With their dirty shirts and dirty necks and filthy nails.” (P. 1, line 29-30).
In his eyes, his father's foolish decisions contribute to the strong aversion he holds towards him. Despite this deep-rooted hatred, Tom makes several attempts to shield his mother from his father's wrath.
One such instance is when Frank becomes angry due to a meal delay, and Tom rushes to assist his mother with the food.
The sense of responsibility he feels towards her stems from not wanting her to undergo the same experiences he has endured. This protective instinct is further demonstrated by:
Legg igjen en kommentar