characterization of the grandfasther in "the return"
...es him with a living and helps him to raise a family with eight children. He can reflect and appreciate the mine for the support it has given him and his family despite the physical harm it will cause him. The final action that indicates a part of the grandfather’s personality is when he lifts up his grandson but does not kiss him. “He too lifts me up but does not kiss me” (page 102). This demonstrates that the grandfather likes to be a “macho man”; being unaffectionate and reserved at times. It is evident that Macleod clearly represented the grandfather’s personality through his actions. Secondly, dialogue between the characters was used by Macleod to further portray the grandfather’s personality. “If you had come through that door as often as I’ve thought of you I’d have replaced the hinges a good many times” (page 103). This statement expresses that the grandfather is compassionate, and thought of his son often. He always hoped that one day he would return and live the life he always dreamed for him. A second piece of dialogue that clearly indicates a personality trait occurs in the same conversation with the son. “I guess in some ways it is a good thing we do not all go to school. I could never see myself being owned by my woman’s family” (page 103). This strongly indicates that the grandfather is dignified and proud. He finds being supported by a spouse’s family insulting. The grandfather grew up in a time when the man was superior to the woman and sexism wasn’t an uncommon idea. The third and final indicative thing the grandfather said is also found in the same conversation. “Is this the only one you have after eleven years?” The grandfather is traditional and true to his lifestyle. It was common for families to have many children back in the time of the grandfather. From these examples, the grandfathers personality was captured exceptionally well through his dialogue and interactions with other characters. Thirdly, another form of characterization Macleod used very well was how other characters reacted to the grandfather. The first trait that was evident in the form of a character reacting to the grandfather occurred early in the story; “Oh Angus what can you be thinking of?!!!!!!!!!”(Page 103). This was the mother’s reaction to the grandfather giving the boy a sip of his rum. It is evident that this clash of culture was the final straw for the mother, and she could no longer bite her tongue. She felt the grandfather was far too laid back and it could do her son harm. The next incident occurred in the wash-house. “Holding me engulfed and drowning in blackness until I am unable to breathe” was the boy’s reaction to his grandfather smothering him (page 108). This statement is symbolic in that it ...