# Family Conflict and Favoritism in The Mother

> Theme guide for The Mother by Pearl S. Buck.

The mother's open preference for her younger, charming son over the hardworking elder son breeds deep resentment, leading to quarrels, hatred, and a fractured household that mirrors broader social tensions.

## Where it surfaces

- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mother_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mother_se/chapters/iv): 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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mother_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mother_se/chapters/xv): Tension between the mother and her son's wife over the blind maid's place in the household.
- [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mother_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mother_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mother_se/chapters/xviii): The mother's blatant favoritism toward the younger son creates deep resentment in the elder son, who feels unappreciated and burdened.
- [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mother_se/chapters/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.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mother_se/themes/family_conflict_and_favoritism
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_mother_se/themes