Relationship between Niel and Barbara in Territory
Relationship between Niel and Barbara in "Territory"
In the short story “Territory” by David Leavitt, the main characters are Neil, Barbara and Wayne. Barbara is Neil’s mother, and throughout the story Neil has always wanted his mother’s acceptance and love. However, his mother was always too busy to spend time with him. There was always a cause which she had to support, that would take her away from spending time with Neil. Therefore, their relationship became very superficial, and they would make their appearance together in town to show that they were a close family. Neil slowly comes to realize that they are actually on two different ends of the spectrum. He begins to realize this when he decides to bring Wayne, his lover, home to meet his mother.
From the time Neil came out to his family his mother has been very distant to him. His mother Barbara, tried to show that she supported him by going to a gay parade. Though Neil soon realizes that it is all just for show. When a drag queen comes to say hello to his mother, Barbara gives a look of disgust. Neil notices this and knows that his mother will never accept him for the way he is. When he gets older he decides to get away from the town and from his mother, so he can be himself. He moves to New York where everyone is accepted. With being gone for so long Neil decides to go home to visit his mother to see if she is the same way as when he left.
Neil arrives at his mother’s house, still looking for that acceptance and love from his mother that he had always yearned for as a child. Not knowing what to expect from his mother, he brought his boyfriend Wayne of ten months home to meet her. Neil was nervous and also very curious, not knowing how his mother would react with having Wayne by his side. His mother Barbara, put on a superficial smile and welcomed Wayne’s arrival. She never lets anyone know how she really feels about the situation. Neil wants his mother’s acceptance, but she continues to push him away. Until, Neil gets her alone in the garden and she finally begins to open up. She starts...