Journal Article

''The Image of the Submissive Mother in Hassan El-Bendary's \A ... Day\

Seddeek, Abeer Refky

2021

Overview

The title \"A ... Day\" portrays an extremely painful day in the life of a suppressed mother, threatened by her husband's harsh attitude, inconsiderate words and painful decision of getting married to another woman. The writer depicts the mother's pain through the strong bond between the narrator, the youngest son, and his mother. The son is a projection of all the psychological torments the mother suffers from and the utter pain she endures. This is manifested in the little boy's fear and tearful eyes seeking security and comfort in her bosom. Her day is like that of an outcast, a refugee, rushing from one place to another seeking help from a friend, a religious shrine or a relative. Throughout the story, the reader realizes that her only psychological support is through holding her son's hands, tabbing on his shoulders and unconsciously projecting her suffering onto him. The little boy is a mere manifestation of all the pain she feels. The author introduced the character of the mother in stark contradiction to that of the father. She is always soft and calm and he is always aggressive, harsh and violent. Her strength is presented in her silence. In her search for help, she tries to contain herself by her rapid steps. Her sorrow is suppressed within her, but it bursts in the last scene when she could not tolerate it any longer. Finally, she bursts into mute tears and says: \"Tired.\" The ambiguity of the word to the reader, not knowing whether she is talking to her son or finally expressing the pain she feels is quite impressive by the writer. This final word is her manifestation of agony and despair. However, she may finally find some relief in her son's words \"You are a jewel.\"

• Publisher: رابطة الأدب الحديث
• Subject: الألم النفسي / البنداري، حسن / القصص الأدبية / القصص الحزينة