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In the short story Territory by David Leavitt, the main characters are Neil, Barbara and Wayne. Barbara is Neil's mother, and throughout the story Neil has always wanted his mothers acceptance and love. However, his mother was always too busy to spend time with him. There was always a cause which she had to support, that would take her away from spending time with Neil. Therefore, their relationship became very superficial, and they would make their appearance together in town to show that they were a close family. Neil slowly comes to realize that they are actually on two different ends of the spectrum.
He begins to realize this when he decides to bring Wayne, his lover, home to meet his mother. From the time Neil came out to his family his mother has been very distant to him. His mother Barbara, tried to show that she supported him by going to a gay parade. Though Neil soon realizes that it is all just for show. When a drag queen comes to say hello to his mother, Barbara gives a look of disgust. Neil notices this and knows that his mother will never accept him for the way he is.
When he gets older he decides to get away from the town and from his mother, so he can be himself. He moves to New York where everyone is accepted. With being gone for so long Neil decides to go home to visit his mother to see if she is the same way as when he left. Neil arrives at his mothers house, still looking for that acceptance and love from his mother that he had always yearned for as a child. Not knowing what to expect from his mother, he brought his boyfriend Wayne of ten months home to meet her. Neil was nervous and also very curious, not knowing how his mother would react with having Wayne by his side.
His mother Barbara, put on a superficial smile and welcomed Wayne's arrival. She never lets anyone know how she really feels about the situation. Neil wants his mothers acceptance, but she continues to push him away. Until, Neil gets her alone in the garden and she finally begins to open up. She starts to tell him that she does not agree with what he is doing, having Wayne or even any man as a lover. Though as quickly as she opens up she begins to shut down and walks away as if nothing has happened.
This is a turning point for Neil, because he realizes that he will never be accepted by his mother, and he knows it is time to move on. Neil says bye to his mother, knowing that he will not be returning. It is time for his mother and for Neil to move on with their lives. With coming to this conclusion about his mother, that she will never accept his sexuality. Neil begins to accept and learn about himself. He is able to be more affectionate with Wayne in public, because he is becoming more comfortable with who he is.
A whole new life begins to open up for Neil, that he could never see before. With closing the door on his mother he can now see where his life can begin. Neil and his mother have been distant and superficial to each other since Neil came out to his family. His mother is unable to give Neil the love and support that he is wanting and searching for. He realizes this and decides that it is time to break away from his mother and live his own life. When he says his final goodbyes to his mother they both know that they will not be seeing each other again.
It is a relief and also a very heart wrenching situation for both of them. Neil knows that this is for the best, and he can now move on with his life with Wayne. Without his mother, he can now begin to accept himself for who he is. Where as before, he was not able to because he needed his mothers approval.
Free research essays on topics related to: barbara, acceptance, wayne, superficial, neil
Research essay sample on Begins To Open Acceptance And Love Mother
