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A. J. CRONIN
About the Author•Archibald Joseph Cronin (1896-1981) •a Scottish Novelist and physician
•His best-known novel was The Citadel
•National Book Award (U.S.), Favourite Novel of 1937, for The Citadel
Books
The Citadel(1937)
Hatter's Castle(1931)
The Keys of the Kingdom(1941)
The Stars Look Down(1935)
The Green Years(1944)
Beliefs of the small town: The midwife is present in the house before the doctor arrives. The mining community did not have complete faith in modern medicine and perhaps, preferred to have someone older, more experienced and traditional present during a birth. Yet, Joe Morgan trusted Andrew completely.
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THE MIDWIFE AND ANDREW
21st Centuary-Global Themes-5Global AwarenessFinancial LiteracyCivic LiteracyHealth LiteracyEnvironmental Literacy
21ST CENTUARY-4 CS Critical Thinking Creative Thinking Collaborating Communicating
THEME
1. Sacrificing love.
2. Strength of character.
3. Focussing on solution rather than problem helps one overcome all the challenges of life.
4. Selfless action brings new nobility to human life and greater hope for human society.
MESSAGESacrifice, integrity and devotion form strength of character.
These qualities are inspirational and can influence others.
Contrasting personalitiesThe midwife is a foil to Andrew. She feels hopeless, resigned, helpless, fearful and untrained. On the other hand, Andrew proves to be more optimistic, diligent, efficient, self-sufficient, spontaneous and well-trained
THE TITLE
The 'Birth' is not only of the child but also of the many relationships the birth ushers. It is the birth of a grandmother, father and mother. Most significantly, it was the birth of Andrew as a true doctor worthy of his title and confident of his future.
'I've done something; oh, God! I've done something real at last'. This statement justifies the title of the story. Discuss.
QUESTION BANK
What did the child look like when Andrew pulled it out?
What was the cause of the still birth? Which methods did the doctor try to resuscitate the child?
What unexpected miracle took place to turn Andrew’s desperation into joy?
Do you think that at the end of the story Andrew is justified in saying “ I’ve done something”? Support your answer suitably.
What opinion do you form of Andrew Mason from this excerpt? Which values can we learn from him?
•There lies a great difference between textbook medicine and the world of a practising physician. Comment with reference to the chapter, 'Birth' by A. J. Cronin
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