Family Conflict and Favoritism

Where it surfaces

• III

  The mother's anger at her son's crying and her subsequent softening reflect the tensions and affections within the family.

• The Man's Restlessness and the Quarrel

  The man feels neglected by his wife's attention to the children, and the couple's quarrel escalates over the purchase of a robe.

• XIV

  The mother's open favoritism toward the younger son fuels the elder son's bitterness, culminating in a violent outburst during the harvest.

• The Binding of the Blind Maid

  Tension between the mother and her son's wife over the blind maid's place in the household.

• XVI

  The mother favors her younger son over the elder, who shames her by working; she complains about her daughter-in-law's barrenness and clashes with the son's wife.

• Chapter XVII

  The mother openly favors her younger son over the elder, blames the elder son's wife for the tragedy, and curses her childlessness, creating deep family tension.

• The Younger Son's Return

  The mother's blatant favoritism toward the younger son creates deep resentment in the elder son, who feels unappreciated and burdened.

• XIX

  The mother's special bond with her younger son contrasts with her strained relationship with the elder son, and the younger son's secret dealings create tension.