Scribd
Upload
392 views1 page

Man of The House

The short story "Man of the House" is set in early 20th century Cork, Ireland and tells the story of a young boy and his ill mother through first person narration. The boy takes on adult responsibilities of caring for his mother and household while she is sick. In a moment of childish innocence, he is persuaded by another child to drink the medicine meant for his mother. Fearing her reaction, he confesses what happened and leaves her fate to God. His mother forgives him, realizing the challenges of his role, and a miracle occurs with her health. Themes of love, family, innocence, and responsibility are explored through the boy's experiences.

Uploaded by

skateboardingissexy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
392 views1 page

Man of The House

The short story "Man of the House" is set in early 20th century Cork, Ireland and tells the story of a young boy and his ill mother through first person narration. The boy takes on adult responsibilities of caring for his mother and household while she is sick. In a moment of childish innocence, he is persuaded by another child to drink the medicine meant for his mother. Fearing her reaction, he confesses what happened and leaves her fate to God. His mother forgives him, realizing the challenges of his role, and a miracle occurs with her health. Themes of love, family, innocence, and responsibility are explored through the boy's experiences.

Uploaded by

skateboardingissexy
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

Man Of The House

1. What is the setting in man of the house?


The setting took place in a town called cork, Ireland in the early 20th century.

2. Who are the characters in man of the house?


The characters are:
Sullivan, Mother, Minnie Ryan, Doctor and much more.

3. What is the plot of Man of the house.


A delicate relationship of a mother and son.

4. Explain the Plot.


Exposition: This is a young ten year old that lives with his mother in a slum
neighbourhood in cork town ireland.

Rising Action: The boy doesnt go to school because he wants to take care of the
household and help his mothers illness.

Climax: At the dispensary he meets a girl who persuades him to take his moms
medicine.

Falling Action: The boy goes back home and tells his mother the truth, he then
leaves the rest in gods hands.

Resolution: His mother forgives him without being upset for what he did, reflecting
that he is an only child he realises a miracle has somehow happened.

Conflict/Problem: He is set to get medication for his mother but is peer pressured
into drinking the meds and share it. He is left hoping on a miracle to happen and
for his mom to get well. He tries his best to be a good person but ultimately
fails.

5. What is the Pov in the man of the house?


This is first person narrative because it captures the experiences of the little
boy it also showes the reader guilt when Sullivan drinks his mothers medicine.

6. What are the themes in man of the house?


The themes are love and family relationship. This is between mother and son, the
son is scared that his mother will die from pneumonia nad goes to a unsavory
neighbourhood to get her medicine. His mother is guilty that her son needs to take
care of her and understands when he gets into trouble.

7. What is another theme?


Another theme is innocence. This is shown because he doesnt even realize that his
new friend is using him for his medication. His reaction after being used also
points to his innocence.

8. What is another theme?


Another theme is responsibility. This is shown by him doing the chores and acting
older than he is. He also drinks his mothers meds, without knowing tells his mother
what to do which could play a part on how men used to treat woman.

9. What are literary devices in the man of the house?


The literary devices are Irony and symbolism. Irony: Consideration can be given
because he is easily perrsuaded to spend his money and drink medicine. The irony is
that he has all the important roles in the house yet at the end of the story it
shows that its too much for him.
Symbolism: This is showed by the significance that is placed on the cathedral, the
candle and praying is used to help his mother.

You might also like