Analyse af 'Tom Corridan' og social arv

It is common knowledge that shifting through social classes can be difficult. Especially for people who were born into a less fortunate family in a lower class of society. Not everyone is born with the same opportunities as their fellow citizens. Therefore, there is a valid argument for the assertion, that it is difficult to break through social heritage. These are the main issues in Arhondia’s short story “Tom Corridan” (2018). In the text, we are introduced to a young boy, Tom Corridan, who is the protagonist and first-person narrator. It is made clear early on, that Tom comes from an unfortunate family, for someone with ambitions and a bright head like himself. With an alcoholic and most importantly, an unsupportive dad, Tom obtaining his goal of studying at the university is extremely difficult.

From the beginning of the text, it is told that the setting is in Dublin, Ireland. This is made clear in the text by distinct references the Irish culture and slang. The story most likely unfolds in the 1970s, because the song, “Thin Lizzy, Whiskey in the Jar’’, which was a hit in Ireland at the time, is mentioned. Something that also indicates the time of the story, is that Tom wants bell-bottom pants, which was noticeably modern at the time. Tom´s family is most likely placed in the lower-class range, in view of the curse words and slang they use to communicate. People from upper class tend to speak posher. In addition to that, there are some hints, that the family might not have the best financial circumstances. “You little fucking bastard. I put food on the table and clothes on your back. Who are you to judge me?” (l. 81). The quote is an example of the father´s use of swear words. It also points out that the dad is working hard to earn their money. Tom, has a very pessimistic view on their life and lifestyle. “Without Trevor’s music, Cherryfield Road is the most miserable, greyest, fucking hole in Dublin.” (ll. 11-12) Here it is made quite obvious that he strives to get away from their lifestyle and place in society, because he describes his life in a negative way. We are told in the beginning that the father wants Tom to earn money as soon as he finishes school, although Tom would rather get a scholarship and study at the University. His view on their present lifestyle is made clear when he says; “Maybe I can get a better job. Maybe I don’t have to have muck under my fingernails and a filthy stained collar. Any savage can fix a toilet, drink himself stupid, then come home and shout at his wife and children to make himself feel important!” (ll. 70-72). That statement gets a very angry reaction out of the dad, who refers to well educated people as being “away with the fairies” (l. 27). He beats Tom up. He already plans for him, to become a plumber, just like himself. Tom seems to think his father ended up in the lower-class because he made poor decisions in his life. “Belittling everyone to make out the dead-end they find themselves in is a choice instead of a mistake.” (ll. 28-29). The quote proves that Tom views it as a mistake to end up in the lower classes of society. To Tom, it is a dead end. His goal in life is to be well educated, and his dad seems to stand in the way of that. That is Tom´s internal conflict in the story.