Analysis: The Other Side Of The Bridge

Everyone has expectations to uphold and often it can feel overwhelming to comply with them all. When one chooses not to comply to the expectations set by oneself or from others, it can be seen as an act of rebellion, foolish-thinking, or a failure to see what the future holds. Similarly, expectations that are too elevated towards others can result in a harsh confrontation with reality. In the novel, The Other Side of the Bridge, by Mary Lawson, the author develops the idea that one bearing too many expectations of others and of oneself can lead to developing distress and feelings of betrayal if the expectations are not met. The theme of expectations is developed using the character Ian, through the social expectations he encounters, familial

Since Ian’s father is the only doctor in the small town of Struan, as was his grandfather, the townspeople expect Ian to follow in their footsteps. However, he thinks, “He imagined living in Toronto, or Vancouver or New York. Think of the freedom. You could be whoever you wanted to be. No one expecting anything of you, no one knowing who your parents were, no one caring if you were a brain surgeon or a bum” (21). Ian is tired of the assumptions people make of his future, because he feels like he is not under control of his life. Since he lives in the archetype of a small town, all the residents know each other, and from word of mouth, any mistake one makes will be known to everyone. Ian resents when people mistake him for his father, and how people say they look alike, because this means that he needs their approval for his actions, as it will affect the reputation of his whole family. This expectation set upon him makes him question whether he truly wants to stay in Struan or find better things to do elsewhere, breaking the tradition. Ian also dislikes when others plan his future for him and assume where he will go, even if it is what he wants. He argues with his girlfriend, Cathy, “‘We don’t have to go. Most of the kids we started school with aren’t going.’ ‘Yes, but people like us have to go. You know that. [...] You have so much potential, Ian. You couldn’t develop it

For example, his mother. In the text, it says, “This time, struggling with the shaking of her voice, she said, ‘Darling, you do not know what it has been like, all these years.’ By which he understood, finally, that he was not important to her. Not that important” (66). Ian always assumed that his mother’s personality was nothing more, and when she announces that she will be leaving with another man, Ian feels betrayed by her. He does not accept her for putting her own happiness before family, an action he expects any good mother should. Ian also knows that his father wants Ian to stay with him in Struan, even if he says he wants Ian to do what he wants and does not want to tie him down. He thinks to himself, “He looked exhausted. Was he ever going to get over it? And if he didn’t, how could Ian leave him? The thought swamped him with guilt, and the guilt made him angry. You shouldn’t have to feel pop guilty about living your own life. You shouldn’t have to be responsible for your parents’ happiness. It wasn’t fair” (110). Although Ian knows his father is trying his best, he still feels burdened by the pressure his father needs to endure and blames his mother for leaving him. Ian tries his best to do his part and help out at the clinic, but he feels like his own happiness is obstructed by the need to help his