ionships Ruined by Traditions, Freedom with a Price

The short story “The Boat” by Alistair MacLeod looks into how a son is conflicted between desire and obligations. One of the main ideas explored focuses on how traditions can rip apart a family. It also touches on the differences between the relationships within the family.

Karl Marx, a philosopher once said “the tradition of all dead generations weighs like a nightmare on the brains of the living.” He is proven right to an extent when looking to understand some of the messages conveyed within the story. One of the memories the narrator recalls is when he discovers his father’s dream of attending university. When describing his father's room the narrator states that “magazines and books …show more content…
Everything spoken, done, and heard could affect the relationships between individuals. The severity of the effects depends on the strength of the relationship which varies amongst people. When the narrator left school to help with the boat, his father gives him the freedom to do as he pleases, “ I am not telling you to do anything, only asking you” (272). On the other hand, his mother confronts him when he’s leaving for school saying “I never thought a son of mine would choose useless books over the parents that gave him life” (272). Not only does she devalue books but also manages to take the freedom the son felt making him feel guilty for thinking about himself. One decision, two parents, and two very different reactions. One can assume that the relationship between the father and the narrator was stronger than with his mother. She was unable to understand the importance of books and education to her son. The fathers similar thoughts on books helped him better understand and connect with his son. “ Then came into my heart a very great love for my father and I thought it was very much braver to spend a life doing what you really do not want than selfish following your own dreams and inclinations,”(274-275). Throughout the story the narrator questions why his father had chosen this life when it wasn’t meant to be. Eventually, he begins to appreciate his father with a warm heart for he realizes his true nature, a caring father that just wanted his children to be