Questions and Answers
What is the narrator's opinion about their parenting skills?
They were not a very good mother.
What is the main difference between the narrator and their partner?
The narrator is more upset, while their partner is more patient.
Who did the writer start seeing on their own because they could talk to them?
Roger
What was the outcome of the narrator's arguments with their partner?
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Why did the writer feel lonely when they were with their family?
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Why did the narrator feel lonely?
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What happened during the argument between the writer and their child about supper?
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What was the narrator's relationship with Roger like?
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What was the result of the argument between the writer and their partner about the child's eating habits?
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Why did the narrator's partner get cross with them?
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What did the writer realize when they saw their partner taking care of the child?
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What did Roger suggest the writer do after they realized their feelings for each other?
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Study Notes
The Mother's Perspective
- The narrator, Christopher's mother, acknowledges that she was not a good mother, and that her lack of patience was a significant factor.
- She contrasts herself with her husband, who is more patient and able to keep his temper.
The Marriage
- The mother and father had a troubled marriage, marked by frequent arguments and a lack of communication.
- The mother felt lonely and isolated, and began to find solace in spending time with Roger, a friend.
The Affair
- The mother and Roger began to develop feelings for each other, as they both felt lonely and unheard in their respective marriages.
- Roger told the mother that he and his wife, Eileen, were no longer in love, and that they hadn't been for a long time.
The Consequences
- The mother's relationship with her son, Christopher, was also strained, particularly during a violent argument over his refusal to eat.
- The mother threw food across the room, and Christopher responded by throwing a chopping board, which broke her toes.
- The incident led to a hospital visit and a subsequent argument with the father, who blamed the mother for her lack of patience.
The Decision to Leave
- The mother realized that she was no longer needed in the household, and that her presence only seemed to cause tension and arguments.
- She felt that her husband and son were better off without her, and that her departure would bring them peace.
- The mother's decision to leave was motivated by a desire to escape the conflict and find happiness with Roger.
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