a time to dance
...s mum to court, due to nelsons skiving. During the story nelsons mum catches him “skiving” school and wondering down Princess Street by himself, she gets scared of being sent to prison. Nelsons mother is very strict with him, due to her past-life and relationship with her parents in Ireland. Although Nelson lives with his mother, it seems to the reader that she is more concerned about her well being than nelsons. This makes me believe that she is not looking after nelson because she wants to or loves him, but more that she feels she has to. When he is caught “skiving” off school, she only complains about the possibility of being sent to prison. She doesn’t even ask why he is “skiving” or if he is ok, she knows nothing of his schoolwork. “ Look, Nelson, listen. If you’re caught skiving school, do you know what will happen to me?” this is her only reaction. Nelson does not have a strong relationship with anyone in his school, he has no respect for his school, and so they show no respect for him. Nelsons mother goes into his school to make sure he stays for the day. Even his guidance teacher does not know him. ”Remind me of your name son?” This book has more than one theme, but only because of his condition. Most short stories have only one theme, but this one I believe has around four. I think that one of the most popular themes in this story is loneliness, simply because I think this is what the author is trying to tell us through the situations and emotions. It seems to me; clearly anyone with friends at school would not skive. Another of the themes I believe is hopelessness. I think that...