Alistair MacLeod uses a very unique writing style in his short story "The Boat." This style, accompanied by his vivid imagery, effectively provides a perfect foundation for a story to be told. There is a lot of contrast and character evolution displayed in this story, which is why I chose the passage I did. Alistair is able to convince the reader that they know the father at first; that he is just mad because he has to solely supply for the family. Mr. MacLeod introduces the underlying emotions amongst various characters in the story in mainly indirect ways, which allows the reader to consider the character's (especially the father's) actions themselves. .
The son, who is also the narrator of this story, experiences a humbling reality check in this passage. He had longed for a bond with his father, yet couldn't understand why his father always seemed so quiet, almost depressed. At first he was simply too young to understand, it wasn't until he was a bit older that he realized the depth of his father's situation. The way this passage was written displays a very mature understanding of his father, and a sincere appreciation for what he is doing. "As long as he lived" (235) is a steep promise, yet the son is determined to show his father just how much he appreciates him, and loves him. "Love" is only used once by the son to describe his emotions towards someone in this story, and that is during this passage, directed towards his father. Rare use of this word just proves the sincerity and meaning behind his pledge to his father. .
Contrast is displayed in the form of a metaphor in this passage as well. When the son says "I could never leave him alone to suffer the iron-tipped harpoons which my mother would forever hurl into his soul," this is showing a very different perception of his mother compared to earlier in the story. It seems as if this sudden reality check has changed his view towards both of his parents.