The Wanderer's mother is unable to recognize him at first because her vision is impaired due to the darkness of the room and the poor lighting in the slave dealer's house. Additionally, the Wanderer has been away for a long time, and he has been subjected to harsh treatment that has changed his appearance and demeanor, making him unrecognizable to his mother at first glance. The emotional distance and trauma experienced by both the Wanderer and his mother also contribute to the difficulty in recognizing each other immediately.
