Discussion

Here, we give you input to a discussion about whether or not parenting is a life-long obligation in relation to the short story “Pride and Joy” by Philippa East.

When it comes to parenting as a life-long obligation, opinions are often divided. On the one hand, some people believe that a parent’s obligations cease when the child reaches maturity and is able to take care of himself. This is the moment when the child is supposed to start an independent life, to get a job, and maybe form his/her own family and become a parent on his/her own. On the other hand, others believe that parenting should cease only when the parent dies. This means that taking care of one’s child should carry on even when the child has become an independent adult.

The case presented in Philippa East’s short story is quite different. As Billy has a cognitive disability, he cannot take care of himself. Even though he is 48 years old – which means that he is middle-aged – he still cannot do basic things for himself: he cannot feed himself unless his mother cuts his food, he cannot dress himself, cut his fingernails, or go to the toilet alone. This means that his parents have to be there for him even past the age of maturity, as Billy cannot gain ...

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