The son's veto Flashcards
Who is the author of The Son’s Veto?
Thomas Hardy.
What is the main conflict in The Son’s Veto?
The conflict between personal desires and societal expectations, particularly between Sophy and her son Randolph.
Who is Sophy in the story?
Sophy is the protagonist, a former maid who marries Reverend Twycott.
What is Sophy’s physical condition?
Sophy has a disability resulting from an accident that leaves her with a limp.
How does Sophy meet Reverend Twycott?
She works as a maid in his household.
Why does Reverend Twycott marry Sophy?
Out of kindness and affection, despite the class difference.
How does society view Sophy and Reverend Twycott’s marriage?
It is considered socially inappropriate due to their differing social classes.
Who is Randolph in the story?
Randolph is Sophy’s son, a product of her marriage to Reverend Twycott.
What role does Randolph play in Sophy’s life?
He becomes a controlling figure, prioritizing social status over his mother’s happiness.
How does Randolph react to his mother’s behavior?
He is critical and condescending, especially about her grammar and lack of sophistication.
What does Sophy want later in life that causes conflict with Randolph?
She wants to marry Sam Hobson, a former suitor and greengrocer.
Who is Sam Hobson?
A former sweetheart of Sophy, who proposes to her after Reverend Twycott’s death.
Why does Randolph veto Sophy’s marriage to Sam?
He feels it would disgrace his social standing as a clergyman.
How does Sophy feel about Randolph’s veto?
She is heartbroken but submits to his wishes, sacrificing her happiness.
How does Thomas Hardy critique Victorian society in the story?
Hardy critiques the rigid class system and societal expectations that prioritize status over personal happiness.
What is the significance of Sophy’s physical disability?
It symbolizes her lack of agency and her struggle to navigate societal and familial constraints.
How does Sophy’s background influence her character?
Her humble beginnings make her modest and submissive, contrasting with Randolph’s arrogance.
What is Randolph’s occupation?
He becomes a clergyman, reflecting his desire for social status and respectability.
How does Hardy portray the relationship between class and power?
He shows how class distinctions grant power to those like Randolph, allowing them to control others.
What is the tone of the story?
The tone is tragic and critical, highlighting the societal and personal injustices faced by Sophy.
What is the setting of the story?
The story is set in rural England and later in London.
How does the rural setting contrast with the urban setting?
The rural setting represents simplicity and authenticity, while the urban setting symbolizes social ambition and rigidity.
What role does the church play in the story?
The church is a symbol of authority and tradition, influencing Randolph’s values and decisions.
How does Randolph’s education affect his attitude toward Sophy?
It makes him feel superior, leading to his critical and controlling behavior.
What is the significance of Sophy’s grammar errors?
They symbolize her lower-class origins and become a source of embarrassment for Randolph.
How does Hardy use Sam Hobson’s character to critique class distinctions?
Sam’s honesty and love for Sophy contrast with Randolph’s pride, showing the unfairness of judging people based on class.
What is the central theme of The Son’s Veto?
The central theme is the conflict between individual desires and societal expectations.
How does Hardy portray Sophy’s inner conflict?
Through her longing for happiness with Sam and her submissive acceptance of Randolph’s control.
How does Sophy’s story end?
She dies unfulfilled and alone, unable to marry Sam or assert her independence.
What does the story suggest about maternal sacrifice?
It critiques the excessive demands placed on mothers to prioritize their children’s desires over their own happiness.
How does Hardy use irony in the story?
It is ironic that Randolph, Sophy’s son, dictates her life and contributes to her misery, despite being her child.
What is the significance of the title The Son’s Veto?
The title emphasizes Randolph’s control over Sophy’s life and highlights the power imbalance in their relationship.
How does the story explore the theme of gender roles?
It critiques the submissive role expected of women, as seen in Sophy’s compliance with both her husband and son.
How does Reverend Twycott justify his marriage to Sophy?
He views it as an act of benevolence and takes steps to avoid scandal by moving to London.
Why does Randolph feel ashamed of his mother?
He feels her lower-class background and lack of refinement undermine his social standing.
What is the role of social mobility in the story?
Social mobility is shown to be both a blessing and a curse, as Sophy’s rise in class isolates her from her past and her happiness.
How does Hardy portray the Victorian class system?
As rigid and oppressive, preventing individuals like Sophy from pursuing their desires.
What is the narrative perspective of the story?
The story is told by a third-person omniscient narrator.
What does the bird imagery in the story symbolize?
It symbolizes freedom and entrapment, reflecting Sophy’s constrained life.
How does Sophy’s death affect Randolph?
Randolph shows little remorse, indicating his prioritization of societal values over personal loss.
What does Sophy’s hair symbolize in the story?
It symbolizes her vitality and youth, which are diminished as her life becomes more restricted.
How does Sam Hobson react to Sophy’s rejection?
He remains understanding and kind, contrasting with Randolph’s controlling nature.
How does Hardy critique Victorian ideals of propriety?
By showing how they cause unnecessary suffering and prevent people from living authentically.
What is the significance of Reverend Twycott’s decision to move to London?
It reflects his awareness of societal judgment and his attempt to shield himself and Sophy from scandal.
What role does education play in Randolph’s character development?
It fuels his arrogance and sense of superiority over his mother.
How does Sophy’s marriage to Reverend Twycott affect her relationship with her hometown?
It alienates her from her roots and isolates her in an unfamiliar social class.
What is the significance of Sophy’s compliance with Randolph’s wishes?
It highlights her internalized submission and the societal expectation for women to prioritize others.
How does Hardy use Sam’s profession to contrast with Randolph’s values?
Sam’s modest profession symbolizes authenticity, while Randolph’s clerical role emphasizes societal pretense.
What does Sophy’s grave symbolize at the end of the story?
It symbolizes her unfulfilled life and the tragic consequences of societal and familial oppression.
How does Hardy portray the relationship between love and duty?
He shows how societal notions of duty often conflict with personal desires, leading to tragedy.
