We hear what his mother says and sympathise with his reactions. Though not first person narrative, Crichton Smith uses detailed descriptions of John’s actions and thoughts to create empathy and understanding of his situation- we see and hear from John’s viewpoint- and grow angry and frustrated on his behalf. She knows just how to hurt him, using her subtle arrows that work away at his sensitivity or by screaming when he tries to ignore her. She accuses him of having his father’s family’s hereditary defects. She knows that with no confidence he will never leave she also realises he wants to please her and uses this mercilessly. Gay couple who were 'father' & 'son' marry Bill Novak and Norman MacArthur went through the adoption process so they would have legal rights in their home state. His mother is bitter and vindictive - possibly her helplessness and/or fear of being abandoned has led to her efforts to undermine John. A gallery was today told it could continue to display controversial photographs of naked children without fear of police prosecution despite claims the exhibition is obscene.
He seems unable to change his life without her permission, which she refuses to give. Quote His boyish eyes would be smitten by a hellish despair, would lose all their hope, and cloud over with the pain of the mute, suffering animalĪs he devotes himself to domestic and caring chores, his mother criticises his personality, lack of ‘proper’ job, and lack of ambition.
