About a Boy discussion

"She started crying again, long lo sobs that terrified him. 'You've got to stop this.' 'I can't.' 'You've got to. If you can't look after me properly then you'll have to find someone who can.'" (Hornby, 45-46)

I believe that this quote is not only a beautiful quote, but also an important quote. In this quote Marcus-one of the protagonists- is trying to calm his mother down and stop her from crying. This quote is important because usually the kids are the ones that are crying and the parent is the one comforting. Marcus, a twelve year old, is the one being the parent in this situation. People don't really notice that parents are people to, and they deserve to cry. I understand why people believe that parents are rocks, I think that people do not believe this, but they try to because they want it to be true. Sometime parents go through tough times that they cannot explain to their kids, much like in About A Boy. Marcus's mother is going through some sort of depression-up until now, the causes are unknown to us- and it seems to be something that could scar Marcus for life. The end of the quote illuminates the frequency of his mothers crying and how Marcus cannot handle the pressure of it any more.

Hey Amira!

I think you're right that parents are allowed to cry and show some weakness, but is it okay to do it in front of their kids?

I was thinking that parents could show some weakness to an extent but the level and frequency to which Fiona is doing it can seriously damage Marcus.

Anyways, What do you(or anyone else) think?

Hey Tasnim,

I think that because Fiona was depressed she couldn't really help it. I feel like sometimes kids have to take on responsibilities as if they are the parent. I see what you mean by it damaged Marcus, but I believe that it made him a stronger person. It helped him understand how to grow up.

P.S: The book is nothing like the show.