“Goodbye, My Brother” by John Cheever is heart-wrenching story about misunderstanding between family members. They say it is a blessing to have a family in which everyone treats one another with love and respect, in which all interactions between relatives are based on mutual recognition. No one can argue with that. However, a happy family is a result of hard – never-ending – work that every member does willingly. John Cheever wrote “Goodbye, My Brother” to analyze his own strained relationship with his brother, pouring all his pain into words.
Lawrence is a black sheep. Regardless the protagonist’s words that they are all very close and love each other, it is not really so. Even if he doesn’t want to admit it out loud, he doesn’t add his younger brother to a list of his loved ones. The main reason is that Lawrence doesn’t want to be included, he doesn’t accept their love. Obviously, if a person doesn’t want or need love, he/she might be viewed as a stranger. The Pommeroys are so close because they have lost a father, a man who used to take care about all of them. He dies, leaving a wife and four children alone. It is really a terrifying thought. Obviously, the children find solace in each other’s company. Though Lawrence is the youngest, he seems to be too independent for his own good, he doesn’t only refuse to show some kindness when his siblings and mother need it so desperately, he isolates himself. The children manage to forget about that unpleasant fact quite quickly, laughing at Lawrence’s expense, making fun of him. However, the mother can’t either understand or forgive her son. She simply can’t accept it. This boy – the one she bore under her heart – doesn’t need her and – what is more – despises her.
When Lawrence moves out, the house and the atmosphere in it become more peaceful. Time flies fast and the children grow up. Even the old grudges are forgotten now. The only one thing that remains unchanged is Lawrence’s unwillingness to be a part of the Pommeroy family. If anything, his contempt becomes even stronger. He accuses his mother of being an alcoholic, predicts that their house will collapse any day, and refuses to take part in any family activity. The day when he turns down his brother’s offer to play tennis refuels hostility between Lawrence and the protagonist. The latter is hurt by his younger brother’s cold treatment. The pain is so strong and Lawrence’s dark predictions are so unbearable that the man hits Lawrence with all his might. All pent-up emotional pain is poured into that blow.
