Question

In “The Exercise,” Bernard MacLaverty contrasts two ideas of fatherhood—one that is loving and one that is cold and strict. Which lines reflect the theme of the strict father figure? “You could have made a better job of it yourself. Other hand.” The same ritual of raising and lowering the left hand with the tip of the cane to the desired height. “After all, I have taught you some Latin.” Crack. “It would be hard to do any worse.” Kevin went back to his place resisting a desire to hug his hands under his armpits and stumbled on a schoolbag jutting into the aisle as he pushed into his desk. Again Waldo looked round the class and said, “Now we’ll have it right from someone.” The class continued and Kevin nursed his fingers, out of the fray. As the bell rang Waldo gathered up his books and said, “Sweeny, I want a word with you outside. Ave Maria, gratia plena . . .” It was not until the end of the corridor that Waldo turned to face him. He looked at Kevin and maintained his silence for a moment. “Sweeny, I must apologise to you.” Kevin bowed his head. “I meant your father no harm – he’s probably a good man, a very good man.” “Yes, sir,” said Kevin. The pain in his fingers had gone. “Look at me when I’m talking, please.” Kevin looked at his collar, his Adam’s apple, then his face. It relaxed for a fraction and Kevin thought he was almost going to smile, but he became efficient, abrupt again.

Answer 1

The lines that reflect the theme of the strict father figure are: "You could have made a better job of it yourself. Other hand." The same ritual of raising and lowering the left hand with the tip of the cane to the desired height. "After all, I have taught you some Latin." Crack. "It would be hard to do any worse." Despite the fact that father of the main character loves him as every father loves his son, in these lines he appears to be too demanding to his child and speaks to him too strictly, so these lines are the answer.