Mother by Judah Waten summary and analysis

 

"Be strong before people, only weep before God".

Judah Waten's tales of his Russian-Jewish family have gained much critical acclaim for their clarity, emotional depth, and humour. Among these, "Mother" stands out as a frequently anthologized story. It revolves around the life of an orphan girl affectionately referred to as "mother" and is narrated in the first person by her son. Despite her name and birthdate being unclear, the story vividly portrays her courageous navigation through life's challenges, which profoundly shape her outlook. Her life is filled with challenges which she overcomes bravely. These challenges also bring a tremendous change in her attitude towards life; she suffers from a sense of insecurity. Her marriage does not help much, as her husband was very much heedless and carefree person. "Mother" serves as a fictionalized account of Judah Waten's own childhood, depicting his mother's tireless efforts to infuse their home with culture and artistry amidst economic struggles. Unlike many Jewish immigrants who fled Europe due to Nazi persecution, Waten's characters migrate in pursuit of improved economic prospects, akin to the mass migration from India and other third-world countries in the latter half of the twentieth century.

 

The narrator, the son, recalls how his mother always seemed distant, with her intense gaze fixed on him but with her thoughts far away. He feels guilty for his actions, as they often seem to disappoint her, but he understands that she is preoccupied with their future in a new land where she always feels like a stranger.

 

Mother's background is revealed through flashbacks. She grew up in Russia in a harsh environment, orphaned at a young age and left to live with distant relatives. Despite her difficult childhood, she showed a thirst for education and a desire to escape from her difficult situations. Mother's passion for learning led her to pursue education and eventually join a medical mission, where she found purpose and fulfillment in serving others. However, her idealism clashed with the harsh realities of the world, especially during the 1905 Russian revolution, which marked the end of her time with the medical mission.

 

Mother met Father, a carefree and jovial man, and they married. Despite their differences, they migrated to Australia in search of a better life. However, while Father quickly adapted to their new home, Mother remained critical and resentful, feeling alienated and disconnected. Mother's disdain for their new surroundings intensifies in Australia, where she feels the people look down on her and her family. She refuses to assimilate or learn the language, clinging to her ideals and cultural identity.

 

Despite her struggles, Mother remains determined to instill her values in her children, urging them to excel in education and pursue noble ideals. Mother's refusal to adapt to their new country leads to conflicts with her son, who is more inclined to embrace the culture and lifestyle of their adopted land. This clash of values highlights the generational and cultural divide within the family.

 

Throughout the story, Mother's strong determination and resilience shine through, as she remains firm in her convictions despite the challenges and obstacles she faces. Her refusal to compromise her principles reflects her strength of character and unwavering commitment to her beliefs.

 

The story portrays the anxieties and tensions which the new immigrants had to undergo while settling on the new land. Their dreams and aspirations were very often smashed by the early settlers and they could not make a place for themselves in the new land as they had hoped to do. However, it was slightly easier for their children to adjust to their new surroundings and put down roots in the new place since they were young and thus more flexible. That is why the narrator finds it easier to call the new country “my home” and does not face many adjustment problems like his mother does.

 

The short story Mother by Judah Waten offers a profound exploration of the immigrant experience, cultural displacement, generational gaps and the clash between tradition and modernity.The protagonist, Mother, struggles with a sense of displacement and alienation in the new land. She feels estranged from the customs and values of her surroundings, clinging to her old-world ideals and traditions.

There is a significant generational conflict between Mother and her children, particularly highlighted in their differing attitudes towards assimilation, education, and cultural identity. Mother represents idealism and a commitment to higher ideals, while Father embodies pragmatism and a focus on survival in the new environment. This dichotomy creates tension within the family dynamic.

Author explores the challenges faced by immigrants in adapting to a new country while preserving their cultural heritage. Mother's struggles mirror those of many immigrants who grapple with a sense of belonging and identity in unfamiliar surroundings.

writer employs a retrospective narrative structure, with the protagonist reflecting on her life experiences and the choices she has made. This allows for a deeper exploration of Mother's inner thoughts and motivations, as well as the broader social and historical context in which she lives. The story is told primarily from the perspective of Mother, providing insight into her struggles, aspirations, and relationships with other characters.

Judah Waten offers a critique of the assimilationist pressures faced by immigrants in the new land, highlighting the loss of cultural identity and heritage that often accompanies the process of acculturation.