Some Surrender :: English Literature

Some Surrender I have recently read, analysed and enjoyed the short story â€Å"Some Surrender† by Bernard Maclaverty. I found this story very enjoyable as the author’s background themes were portrayed through a memorable and interesting dialogue in a thought provoking manner. The plot revolved around a hill walking trip for a father and son. It starts off with the climbing of the hill and the two catching up with each other as they have not spoken in a long time. They are celebrating the fathers 75th birthday. We hear of Roy’s – the son – failed relationship with his parents. This is due to his mother’s disapproval of him marrying a catholic woman and having a child out of wedlock. â€Å"She wasn’t even a good catholic.† Once at the top of the hill the two men share and discuss their views on the troubles in Ireland. They also talk about Roy’s job and his road to success i.e. writing a book. We learn about their secret meetings and how they used the rugby matches as an excuse. Afterwards, on their way down the hill, Roy realises how his father has aged and how fragile he has become. I found that characterisation had a major part to play in this prose as they each showed different political opinions and how these views have major effects on their lives. The father – who has lived and worked in Belfast all his life - is seventy five years of age and is getting on, although there is an obvious deterioration in health he is still fairly fit and has a â€Å"spring in his step†. He was an architect and had designed quite a few high-rise buildings, all due for demolition within the next few years. We hear that he has always been loyal to his wife and is well educated â€Å"I chose your mother. I didn’t choose you.† He stood by and respected his wife’s decision to disown their child, but he did not completely reject him. His views on political matters are very prejudiced and bigoted, always being anti-catholic . The son - Roy - is forty four years old and is a fairly successful photographer. â€Å"I see your postcards all over the place. Supermarkets even.† He has a book to be published and has got a new position working in Dublin. Despite his good job, we learn that he did not work hard in and came out of school with little or no qualifications. â€Å"You failed because you didn’t work hard enough.† After twenty years, only now has Roy got an easy and relaxed relationship with his father, despite his decision.