Introduction
The topic of sons can be considered a sophisticated one since it encompasses various types of relationships and difficulties that a young person has to endure and overcome. Youngsters can be faced with troubles, for instance, under the condition of parents’ overcontrol or, in contrast, the presence of selfishness. In “What Do Fish Have to Do with Anything,” Willie learns to ask questions and make personal decisions, whereas in “Next Term We’ll Mash You,” Charles becomes the object of bullying due to his occurrence.
Sons in “What Do Fish Have to Do with Anything” and “Next Term We’ll Mash You”
Concerning the topic of sons, the narrative of a youngster called Willie and his mother, Mrs. Markham, that are ignored by his father, is portrayed in Avy’s “What Do Fish Have to Do with Anything.” Mrs. Markham is considered to be possessive of Willie, and on one occasion, while heading home, Willie expresses curiosity towards a homeless person that dwells outside their house (Avy 70). Willie is warned by Mrs. Markham that he must not speak to him since he is miserable and unhappy (Avy 70). Willy discovers that his mother has been residing in her personal bubble and that he is imprisoned in it with her after he encounters a homeless individual without informing his mother.
As the essence of the writing and the illustration of the topic of sons, Willie starts to perceive the meaning of life in a different context. Furthermore, as a result, he makes decisions for himself rather than relying on his mother’s will. Moreover, the theme of sons can be depicted by the presence of the son of a clergy that is treated as a negative person but who intends to be great. In fact, this aspect demonstrates the inability of people to ask questions and their desire to appear different.
Regarding the topic of sons in the text “Next Term, We’ll Mash You” by Penelope Lively, it is feasible to emphasize that the author describes the relationship between a boy named Charles and his parents. In fact, the parents make selfish decisions in terms of the life and future of their child. Charles is intimidated by the boys at his new school since he is a new and unknown student. The heading “Next term, we’ll mash you” implies that the narrative is related to the presence of the guys at school that would insult Charles the next occasion they meet him. Aggression, vulnerability, power, loneliness, terrible relationships, and immaturity are the writer’s key themes. When the guys start asking Charles questions, he merely remains in the center of the room with shoulders hunched and stares down, demonstrating his lack of confidence (Lively 15). The lesson is that individuals should not be seduced by the nice item too much since it is not generally as decent as it appears. The parents are enamored with their child’s new school, but they have no understanding of how horrible it is in reality.
Conclusion
To summarize, Willie begins to view the meaning of life in a different context as the substance of the writing and depiction of the topic of sons. As a result, rather than relying on his mother’s will, he makes decisions for himself. The lesson learned from Charles is that people should not be overly captivated by nice things since they are not always as good as they look. The parents are delighted with their child’s new school but have no idea how bad conditions are in reality.
Works Cited
Avi. What Do Fish Have to Do with Anything. Collections: Close Reader, 2016.
Lively, Penelope. Next Term, We’ll Mash You. Collections: Close Reader, 2016.