Discussion Topic
The characterization and portrayal of Randolph in Thomas Hardy's "The Son's Veto"
Summary:
Randolph, in Thomas Hardy's "The Son's Veto," is characterized as a proud and controlling figure. He is portrayed as being highly influenced by his education and social aspirations, leading him to dismiss and undermine his mother, Sophy's, desires and choices. His rigid adherence to social norms and his sense of superiority ultimately cause significant emotional distress for his mother.
What view of Randolph is developed in "The Son's Veto" by Thomas Hardy?
Hardy develops Randolph's character in two very interesting though contradictory ways: (1) name symbolism for what Sophy hopes he will be; (2) behavior and surname symbolism for what he is.
Randolph's name is Old English and means "wolf shield." Two important symbolic traits of wolves are their loyalty and their loving relationships amongst themselves. A shield is a protector and defender. Sophy meant Randolph to be her loyal, loving son who would also be her defender and protector when her village ways clashed with London's polished, sophisticated ways. Sophy was terribly disappointed because what she was got was a son who criticized and judged her:
'Has, dear mother--not have!' exclaimed the public-school boy, ...'Surely you know that by this time!'
The symbolism of Randolph's surname, Twycott, is the more telling of the view of Randolph that Hardy develops. "Twy" is Old English for "two." "Cott" is an Old...
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English nick-name for a man who is cold and hard-hearted.Twy- is important because it indicates that the surname symbolism of Twycott applies to both Vicar Twycott and his son Randolph: both Twycotts are cold hard men. Randolph's behavior from the beginning corroborates this symbolism since everything he does toward his mother is cold and hard-hearted, from criticizing her country speech to demanding she not marry someone who is not a gentleman to riding like a sentinel guard atop her funeral train as she takes her last ride to her country village home. Hardy thus develops Randolph as a vain, hard and cold boy, then man, who is not above cruelty to his mother:
from the mourning coach a young smooth-shaven priest in a high waistcoat looked black as a cloud at the shop keeper standing there.
What makes the character Randolph memorable in The Son's Veto?
As the main protagonist of the story, Randolph Twycott is a very memorable character, but what makes him the most interesting is his false sense of superiority and grandiose. His mother is poor and uneducated, but his father is a respected vicar and member of the upper-middle class; therefore, Randolph had the opportunity to study in a private school and then enroll in Oxford University. He grew up in a pleasant environment and was given everything he ever wanted; thus, he sort of became a selfish snob.
When his father dies, Randolph is the one who inherits all of his wealth. Because of this, he basically tries to control his mother's life. This is, essentially, his veto. His mother wants to marry a man named Sam. However, Randolph absolutely refuses to let his mother marry the man she loves because he thinks that he will lose his social influence and "reputation." In other words, social class and status seem to be much more important to Randolph than his mother's happiness. His pretentiousness, his haughtiness, and his snobbery make him a memorable character for the readers.