In the short story ‘Crossing’ by Mark Slouka, published in 2009, the author explores the bond between a father and son and their challenges with nature. Throughout history, fathers have frequently brought their sons on camping trips or similar journeys to teach them how to overcome natural obstacles. However, these experiences hold a greater significance in cultivating a close relationship between the two individuals; it is this sense of closeness that the father seeks to establish in his own narrative.
Introducing a father facing post-divorce challenges in his life, the narrator highlights his determination to find significance and focus on building a strong bond with his young son. Despite attempts to connect, the mother rejects him. However, this rejection serves as motivation for the father to set things right. He believes that engaging in traditionally male activities can help them form a close relationship that cannot be achieved with the mother. By selecting an activity from his own past with his father, the father transforms it into a sacred and secretive ritual exclusively shared between him and his son.
The narrator in this story adopts a limited perspective, focusing on the main character’s thoughts, feelings, and memories. This approach allows us to closely connect with the father and empathize with his pain as we support his journey towards success. However, as a result of this restricted viewpoint, we are not granted any insights into the son’s thoughts or emotions. Instead, we rely on the father’s descriptions to visually perceive the son as a small and fragile boy whom he feels compelled to safeguard. For instance, he mentions details such as miniature jeans, a sweatshirt beneath the seat belt’s strap, and dangling hiking boots while checking if everything is alright with his son.
