Could anyone please help me find out and understand what does "Son" by Updike say about loss, love, and "a contact barely reached"?
Are some of my following thoughts relate to the question I asked at beginning:
In “Son” the father doesn’t get along with his son, even though they share some similarities. It is mainly due to the generation gap between them. In short, one line that says it all about the conflicts is follows: “He takes an interest in the newspaper now, the front page as well as the sports, in this tiring year of 1973.”
In “Son”, we realize a father’s desire of loving his son but he hides it: “I love touching him, but don’t often dare. The other day, he had the flu, and a fever, and I gave him a back rub, marveling at the symmetrical knit of muscle, the organic tension. He is high-strung.”
Thanks for helping.
To understand what John Updike's "Son" says about loss, love, and "a contact barely reached," we will need to analyze the story and identify key themes and messages. Here's how you can go about doing that:
1. Read the story: Start by reading the short story "Son" written by John Updike. Take note of any recurring themes, symbols, or motifs that relate to loss, love, and "a contact barely reached."
2. Analyze the main characters: Pay close attention to the main characters and their relationships. In "Son," the story follows a father and his teenage son, highlighting their complex dynamics and emotions.
3. Explore loss: Consider how loss is portrayed in the story. Look for instances where characters experience loss or the aftermath of loss. This could involve exploring the loss of innocence, the loss of a loved one, or the loss of a connection between the father and son.
4. Examine love: Analyze the portrayal of love in "Son." Look for examples of parental love, familial love, or the different forms of love shown in the story. Consider how love is expressed, tested, or strained throughout the narrative.
5. Interpret "a contact barely reached": This phrase suggests a struggle to establish meaningful communication or connection. Look for instances in the story where the father and son struggle to truly understand or connect with each other. This could be due to a generation gap, differing perspectives, or emotional barriers.
6. Identify key quotes: Highlight quotes or passages that reflect the ideas you're exploring. Pay attention to any specific language, dialogue, or descriptions that contribute to the themes of loss, love, and "a contact barely reached."
7. Formulate your interpretation: Once you have gathered evidence and analyzed the story's elements, form your interpretation. Consider what "Son" suggests about the nature of loss, the complexities of love, and the challenges of reaching a deep connection between individuals.
Remember, literature often allows for multiple interpretations, so be sure to support your analysis with evidence from the story.