It is clear suggestion that she wishes her life remained unchanged. .
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The narrator's point of view is an objective one allowing the responder to sustain an objective view of the mother. The mother is purposely referred to as "She- this depersonalization suggests her loss of self-identity. The Language adopted is of extreme importance; it is common, bleak and consists of a flat tone emphasizing the monotony of the women's life. The alliteration of the letter s' emphasizes the women misery. In addition to this dialogue is also crucial the quotes to feign indifference to that casual nod' and "too late- indicates the mother is embarrassed to let this man see how she has transformed. Later, when the women comprehends she has been destroyed by the strains of motherhood and has been left lonely, enslaved and a mere burdened figure she uses the hyperbole they have eaten me alive'. .
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The use of juxtaposition is evident through the characterization of the man and women. We are told her clothes are out of date' indicating the women has been absorbed by motherhood and has no time to take pride in herself. This is further accentuated by the children tugging at her skirt, one child is even described as "drawing aimless patterns in the dirt- indicating a loss of hope and false acceptance. This is in contrast to the smug materialistic man who uses the cliché time holds great surprises' indicating that he has total control in his life. His arrogant departing smile and rhetorical quote but for the grace of god' signifies his keenness to leave. Symbolism has also been adopted with the metaphorical flickering light representing lost aspirations. Whilst her Madonna like pose serves an extremely ironic significance when compared to the emotions she expresses.
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However, unlike In the park, the poem Father and Child by Gwen Harwood, displays that many individuals welcome change and appreciate it as they grow.
