All the Years of Her Life

All the Years of Her Life

Morley Callaghan

1. The main character in this story is Mrs. Higgins, who has a son named Alfred. Alfred is always swaying in and out of trouble. Mrs. Higgins has rescued Alfred time and time again from his childish misdemeanors, and she is growing weary of what seems to be a helpless case. “You’ve disgraced me again and again,” she said bitterly. “That’s the last time. That’s all I’m saying.”

2. Mrs. Higgins displays dignity by her smooth approach with the news of Alfred’s mistake. She remains surprisingly calm and shows respect for Sam Carr, the storeowner. “Mr. Carr was a bit embarrassed by her lack of terror and her simplicity, and he hardly knew what to say to her,” so she asked, “Is Alfred in trouble?” Mrs. Higgins is a bright woman, struggling to save her son from what seems to be a bleak future. She sends warmth to the reader letting us know she has the situation under control.

3. Mrs. Higgins shows love by sacrificing her personal feelings, in order to gain respect from both Sam Carr and her son. If Mrs. Higgins had approached Alfred’s situation differently the result could have been a lot worse. She came across cool and confident, but on the inside she was upset and frustrated with Alfred. Sam Carr wanted to have Alfred arrested, but Mrs. Higgins assures him that “…a little good advice is the best