THE COMPLEXITY OF MOTHERHOOD IN A SMALL-TOWN LIFE:

FORMALISM CRITICISM

An Undergraduate analysis of the story entitled “Mother”

presented to the subject teacher of Literary Criticism of
Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Colleges - Marbel, Inc.
Koronadal City

Submitted To:
ROSE.USERO, PhD

Submitted By:
ERYKA I. BARILLO
NORELYN A. PALENCIA

MARCH 2023
 THE COMPLEXITY OF MOTHERHOOD IN A SMALL-TOWN LIFE: FORMALISM
CRITICISM

Often romanticized and simplified, motherhood plays a complex and

multifaceted role in the story. "Mother" was written by Sherwood Anderson. The
author strongly influenced American writing between World Wars I and II, particularly
in the short story technique. The main character in the story is Elizabeth Willard, the
mother of George Willard. Tom Willard, the husband of Elizabeth Willard. Also, the
protagonist of the story is Elizabeth Willard. In the story "Mother," Elizabeth Willard is
a woman trapped in her life as a wife and mother in a small town. She struggles with
her desires and dreams as she seeks to connect with her son George. Anderson's
"Mother" explores the complexities of motherhood, the unspoken desires, and the
sacrifices made by women in small-town life, ultimately revealing the universality of
human emotions.
In addition, Elizabeth Willard's struggle with her desires and dreams highlights
the complexities of motherhood. She said, "Something inside me wants to touch
other people, and I don't know what it is." This statement reveals her internal conflict
and longing to connect with others, which her role as a mother and wife stifles. This
is the same claim by Bliss (2019), "We all have a relentless yearning to attach and
connect, to love and be loved. This relationship hunger is the fiercest longing of the
human soul. Through Elizabeth's inner turmoil, Anderson illustrates the emotional
complexity of motherhood. Also, Elizabeth's sacrifices for her family demonstrate the
selflessness and devotion inherent in motherhood. While thinking about her
sacrifices, she said, "I've been wanting to do things all my life, and I have never
done them." The admission of her unfulfilled desires emphasizes the sacrifices she
has made for her family. Her sacrifices highlight the selflessness and devotion that
mothers often exhibit in small-town life. This is the same claim by Hanh (2017), in his
study entitled; Root of all miseries, that "At the root of all miseries is unfulfilled desire.
Moreover, Elizabeth and George Willard's relationship underscores human
emotions' universality. She said, "I want you to look at me, George, and remember
me as I am now." This quote demonstrates Elizabeth's desire to be remembered for
who she truly is, not just as a mother, reflecting the universal longing for connection
and understanding. This is the same claim by Willis (2003) in a study entitled;
Remember me, “As long as you remember me forever, that will be enough.” By
portraying Elizabeth and George's relationship, Anderson emphasizes the shared
human experience of emotional complexity. As a result, Anderson's "Mother" delves
into the complexities of motherhood, the sacrifices made, and the unspoken desires,
highlighting the emotional intricacies inherent in small-town life. The exploration of
these themes in "Mother" allows readers to recognize and empathize with the
characters' emotional complexity, despite the story's specific setting and context.
Furthermore, In Sherwood Anderson's "Mother," the work's structure is unified
through a framing device. The story opens with a description of the narrator's
hometown, and the character of Elizabeth Willard is introduced as the mother of the
protagonist, George Willard. The story then jumps to a scene where George sits with
his mother in their home, and Elizabeth begins to reflect on her life and regrets.
Throughout the story, the narration alternates between Elizabeth's reflections and
her interactions with George. The story then concludes with a return to the opening
scene, where the narrator reflects on the impact of Elizabeth's death on the town.
One example of how the framing device unifies the story is seen in the
repetition of imagery and themes throughout the narrative. The opening description
of the town highlights the sense of isolation and loneliness that pervades the
community, and this theme is echoed in Elizabeth's reflections on her own life. For
instance, she describes feeling trapped and unfulfilled in her marriage and regrets
not pursuing her dreams of being an artist. This sense of isolation is further
emphasized in the final scene, where the narrator notes that "it was as though the
life of the little town had ended" with Elizabeth's death (Anderson, 23). This is the
same claim by Patchett (2023) in her study entitled town and country: "To say it was
a beautiful day would not begin to explain it. It was that day when the end begins."
Through the use of the framing device and repetition of themes, Anderson
creates a sense of unity in the narrative. The story's structure allows the reader to
see how Elizabeth's life and struggles are interconnected with the broader
community and how her death has a ripple effect on those around her. Overall,
"Mother" is a masterful example of how a unified structure can enhance the impact
and meaning of a work of literature.
In addition, in "Mother," Anderson's use of various elements reinforces the
story's theme of the oppressive nature of small-town life. One example is the
recurring imagery of hands, which represents the physical and emotional ties that
bind the characters to the town. For example, the story opens with Elizabeth
Willard's "thin, nervous fingers" clutching at the bed sheets, symbolizing her
desperation to escape the suffocating confines of her life. Later, when George
Willard visits his mother, he notices the "hard, red hands" she has acquired from
years of manual labor, suggesting the toll that a lifetime of struggle has taken on her.
The use of color imagery is also significant in reinforcing the story's theme.
Elizabeth's blue silk dress, which she wears to seduce her husband, symbolizes her
desire to break free from the constraints of her life and pursue her happiness.
Conversely, her gray dress, worn in her later years, represents her resignation from
her fate and the loss of her youthful vigor.
Additionally, Anderson's use of point of view plays a vital role in reinforcing the
story's themes. The narrative switches between third-person omniscient and third-
person limited perspectives, allowing the reader to see the thoughts and feelings of
both Elizabeth and George. This technique emphasizes the generational divide
between the two characters and underscores the idea that the oppression of small-
town life is a cyclical and never-ending cycle. One compelling element in "Mother" is
repetition, which reinforces the theme of entrapment. The phrase "she was a failure"
is repeated several times throughout the story, emphasizing Elizabeth's sense of
defeat and the hopelessness of her situation.
Similarly, the repeated imagery of hands and the colors blue and gray
emphasize the inescapable nature of small-town life and the limitations it places on
its inhabitants. Overall, Anderson's use of various literary elements in "Mother"
reinforces the story's central theme of the oppressive nature of small-town life.
Through imagery, point of view, and repetition, Anderson effectively conveys the
suffocating nature of the environment and the characters' inability to escape it.
Moreover, in Sherwood Anderson's short story "Mother," the recurring pattern
of isolation and loneliness reinforces the theme of the destructive nature of small-
town life. Throughout the story, various characters are depicted as being cut off from
one another physically or emotionally. For example, the narrator describes the main
character, Elizabeth Willard, as being "shut off" from the rest of the world and "lonely
in the presence of her husband and son" (Anderson 18). This is the same claim by
Youssef (2003) in his study entitled; How to Walk Away from Emotionally
Unavailable Lovers—Once & For All that, “I’m not saying that we can only grow
through meeting emotionally unavailable people, but I want to make clear that their
presence in our lives might reveal many things."
Similarly, Elizabeth's husband, Tom, is portrayed as emotionally distant and
unable to connect with his family. This pattern of isolation is also reflected in the
physical environment of the story. The small town of Winesburg, Ohio, is depicted as
a place where people are separated by physical barriers such as fences and hedges.
For example, Elizabeth's house is described as "shut off from the world by a high
hedge" (Anderson 18). This imagery reinforces the idea that the characters in the
story are cut off from one another and unable to form meaningful connections.
The effect of this recurring pattern of isolation is to underscore the theme of
the destructive nature of small-town life. By depicting the characters as being cut off
from one another, Anderson shows how the narrow-mindedness and conformity of
small-town life can lead to emotional and psychological isolation. The characters in
the story cannot connect with one another on a meaningful level, which ultimately
leads to their undoing.
Furthermore, the story employs various elements to reinforce the meaning of
the story, particularly the theme of isolation and the breakdown of communication in
relationships. One such element is using imagery, particularly the image of hands, to
convey the characters' emotions and relationships. Elizabeth Willard, the mother in
the story, is described as having hands that are "thin and restless" (Anderson 18),
highlighting her restlessness and unease in her own life. This is contrasted with her
husband's hands, described as "fat and white" (Anderson 19), representing his
comfort and complacency in his life.
Another element that reinforces the theme is the use of dialogue, particularly
the repeated phrase "I'm afraid" by Elizabeth Willard. Elizabeth expresses her fear
and uncertainty throughout the story, yet her husband and son fail to understand her
and dismiss her fears as irrational. This communication breakdown is a significant
factor in the isolation and loneliness experienced by Elizabeth. Also, the structure of
the story reinforces the theme of isolation. The story is divided into two sections, with
the first focusing on Elizabeth's thoughts and feelings and the second focusing on
her husband and son's reactions to her death. This division represents the
disconnect and lack of understanding between the characters, as they each
experience isolation and fail to connect honestly. Overall, Anderson's imagery,
dialogue, and structure effectively reinforce the isolation and communication
breakdown theme in "Mother."
Aside from that, the story also employs recurring patterns of imagery and
symbolism to convey the characters' emotions and relationships. One recurring
pattern is the use of hands, particularly the contrast between Elizabeth's "thin and
restless" hands and her husband's "fat and white" hands. This imagery highlights the
difference in their personalities and attitudes towards life and their lack of connection
and understanding. Another recurring pattern is using darkness and light to convey
the characters' emotions. Elizabeth is often associated with darkness, such as when
she lies in bed with her eyes closed or thinks about death, while her husband and
son are associated with light, such as when they sit by the window and talk about the
future. This contrast emphasizes the isolation and disconnect between the
characters, as they cannot truly understand and empathize with one another.
Additionally, the repetition of the phrase "I am afraid" by Elizabeth reinforces
the theme of fear and uncertainty and the breakdown in communication between the
characters. This phrase is repeated throughout the story, yet her husband and son
fail to truly understand and comfort her, further emphasizing their lack of connection
and understanding. Overall, Anderson's use of recurring patterns of imagery and
symbolism effectively conveys the characters' emotions and relationships,
highlighting the theme of isolation and communication breakdown in "Mother."
"Mother," Anderson utilizes repetition to emphasize the characters' emotions
and highlight the theme of communication breakdown. One example of repetition is
the use of the phrase "I'm afraid" by Elizabeth, which is repeated several times
throughout the story. This repetition emphasizes her fear, uncertainty, and inability to
communicate her feelings effectively to her husband and son. Another example of
repetition is the phrase "God, please forgive me" by Elizabeth's husband, Tom, after
her death. This repetition emphasizes his guilt and regret, as well as his realization
of his failure to understand and connect with his wife truly.
Furthermore, Anderson repeats specific images and descriptions, such as the
description of Elizabeth's hands, to reinforce the characters' emotions and
relationships. This repetition emphasizes the characters' inability. Moving on to the
third body paragraph, we will discuss the recurring patterns in the story "Mother" and
their effect on reinforcing the theme. One prominent pattern is nature imagery,
specifically concerning Elizabeth Willard. Throughout the story, Anderson uses
various references to nature, such as the "cold grey dawn" and the "bleak and wintry
fields," to symbolize Elizabeth's inner turmoil and despair. For instance, when lying in
bed, Anderson writes, "All the life of the fields and the soft, warm things seemed
gone from her body forever." The repetition of this imagery reinforces the theme of
Elizabeth's inability to connect with the world around her and her intense feelings of
isolation.
Another recurring pattern is using dreams and hallucinations to reveal the
characters' innermost desires and fears. Elizabeth's dream of being wrapped in a
"soft white darkness" reflects her longing to escape her mundane life. At the same
time, her vision of a "dark figure moving before a window" hints at her underlying
sense of unease and vulnerability. Similarly, Tom's dream of a "black pit" symbolizes
his fear of failure and the weight of his responsibilities. These patterns emphasize
the characters' internal struggles and add depth to their portrayal.
Moreover, we will analyze how repetition reinforces the themes of the story.
One significant example of repetition is the repeated phrase "I am going away"
throughout the story. Each time it is mentioned, it carries a different connotation and
emotional weight. Elizabeth's initial statement, "I am going away, George," is filled
with hope and excitement for the new life she imagines for herself. However, as the
story progresses, the phrase becomes increasingly ominous and foreboding,
reflecting Elizabeth's deteriorating mental state and ultimately leading to her tragic
demise. Another example of repetition is the frequent references to Tom's "burden"
and his desire to be free. This repetition emphasizes the weight of his responsibilities
and his sense of entrapment, highlighting the theme of the sacrifices that must be
made for the sake of family and duty. It also foreshadows the story's tragic outcome,
where Tom's burden ultimately leads to Elizabeth's death and his guilt and remorse.
Also, we will examine the writer's use of diction to reveal or reflect the work's
meaning. One example is Anderson's use of simple, straightforward language to
convey the characters' emotions and thoughts. This creates a sense of rawness and
honesty, allowing the reader to connect with the characters deeper. For instance,
when Elizabeth lies in bed, Anderson writes, "She wanted to be loved, to be loved, to
be loved." This is the same claim by Bullard (2020) in her study entitled; Why You
are Not Feeling Loved & What To Do About It: “We all wanted to be loved.” The
repetition of the phrase reflects her intense desire for affection and inability to
articulate her emotions, making her character more relatable. Another example of
Anderson's use of diction is his use of colloquial language and dialect to create a
sense of authenticity and realism. This is seen in the characters' speech patterns
and the use of regional slang, which adds to the story's overall sense of place and
time. For instance, when Tom speaks, he says, "I've got to put it over, I tell you,"
using the slang of the time to convey his desperation and sense of duty. This use of
language adds depth and complexity to the characters and their relationships.
Furthermore, we will analyze the effect of the plot and which parts specifically
produce that effect. One significant effect of the plot is its ability to create a sense of
inevitability and tragedy. From the story's beginning, the reader knows Elizabeth's
impending death, and the plot leads inexor. In the story, Anderson employs repetition
to reinforce the themes of isolation, repression, and loneliness. For example,
Elizabeth's mother repeatedly tells her that "life has been difficult" (Anderson 22) and
"it's a hard life" (Anderson 23). The same claim by Sahoo (2023) in his study entitled;
Best Life Difficulty to Survive in Hard that "Life is not difficult; it is our desires that
make it difficult.” This repetition underscores the idea that the characters in the story
are trapped in a cycle of suffering and struggle, unable to escape their
circumstances. Additionally, the repeated use of words like "dark," "dull," and "sad"
throughout the story creates a somber and melancholic mood that adds to the overall
sense of isolation and loneliness that pervades the narrative.
Anderson's use of repetition is also reflected in his choice of diction. He uses
simple, straightforward language throughout the story to convey complex emotions
and experiences. This choice of diction creates a sense of realism that makes the
story's themes feel all the more poignant and relatable. For example, when
Elizabeth's mother describes her husband's death, she says, "he went away, and we
ain't ever heard from him again" (Anderson 23). The use of the colloquial "ain't" and
the matter-of-fact tone highlights the harsh reality of the situation and underscores
the sense of helplessness that the characters feel.
In addition to repetition and diction, Anderson uses the story's structure to
reinforce its meaning. The story is told in a series of short vignettes, each providing a
glimpse into the lives of Elizabeth and her mother. This fragmented structure mirrors
the disjointed and disconnected nature of the characters' lives, emphasizing their
sense of isolation and dislocation. Moreover, the story is bookended by descriptions
of Elizabeth and her mother sitting in silence, further emphasizing the characters'
inability to communicate and connect.
 In conclusion, Anderson's "Mother" is a powerful exploration of isolation,
repression, and loneliness in small-town America. Through repetition, diction, and
structure, Anderson underscores the cyclical nature of suffering and the difficulty of
breaking free from the constraints of one's circumstances. While the story is bleak
and somber, it also offers a poignant and insightful portrait of the human experience,
revealing how we are all bound together by our struggles and capacity for empathy
and understanding.
Sherwood Anderson's short story "Mother" explores the theme of loneliness
and isolation through the character of Elizabeth Willard. Anderson uses various
literary techniques, such as symbolism, imagery, and repetition, to convey the story's
central message. The story's structure is unified, as each section provides insight
into Elizabeth's character and relationship with her son. The recurring patterns of
darkness and light, nature, and loneliness further emphasize the theme of isolation.
Anderson's use of diction also plays a significant role in reinforcing the
meaning of the work. The contrast between the poetic descriptions of nature and the
plain language used to describe Elizabeth's mundane life highlights the character's
inner turmoil and longing for something more. The irony in the story further
emphasizes the theme, as Elizabeth's final realization comes at the moment of her
death when it is too late for her to escape her loneliness.
The story's plot creates an atmosphere of melancholy and sadness, with the
climax coming at the moment of Elizabeth's death. The figures of speech used in the
story, such as metaphors and similes, add depth to the imagery and symbolism
employed by the author. Anderson's tone and mood create a sense of foreboding
and despair as the reader is made aware of Elizabeth's ultimate fate from the story's
beginning.
Finally, the story's various elements work together to create a unified whole
that effectively conveys the central message of loneliness and isolation. The
relationship between the story's beginning and end is circular, as Elizabeth's life is
shown to be a constant cycle of loneliness and despair. The use of repetition and
imagery reinforces the theme and creates a sense of unity throughout the work.
In conclusion, Sherwood Anderson's "Mother" is a poignant and powerful
story that explores the human experience of loneliness and isolation. Through
literary techniques such as symbolism, imagery, and repetition, Anderson effectively
conveys the story's central theme. The story's various elements create a unified,
beautiful, and tragic whole. The story serves as a reminder of the importance of
human connection and the devastating effects of loneliness and isolation.

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Bullard (2020). Why You Are Not Feeling Loved & What To Do About It.
Mindbodygreen. https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/why-youre-
not-feeling-loved-what-to-do-about-it

Hahn (2017) “At the root of all misery is unfulfilled desire.”

https://quotefancy.com/quote/1526379/Scott-Hahn-At-the-root-of-all-
misery-is-unfulfilled-desire

Patchett, (2023). As It Ends. Town & Country.

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remember-me-forever-that-will-be-enough-for-me—56184

Youssef, (2023, January 25). How to Walk Away from Emotionally

Unavailable Lovers—Once & For All. | elephant journal. Elephant
Journal | Daily Blog, Videos, E-newsletter & Magazine on Yoga +
Organics + Green Living + Non-new Agey Spirituality + Ecofashion +
Conscious Consumerism=It’s About the Mindful Life.
https://www.elephantjournal.com/2021/12/how-to-walk-away-from-
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