I. The Title

What is the meaning of the title? Who tend to use the expression very often? Why do they often say this?

II. Structure

Part 1 (paras.1—9) :Description of how his mother’s mind began to wander after she had her last bad fall and was confined to bed

Part 2 (paras.10---15) : Russell’s recollection of his mother’s personality

Part 3 (paras.16-39 ) : The doctor’s diagnosis and Russell’s understanding of his mother’s illness and gave up arguing my mother back to the real world.

Part 4 (paras.40-49 ): Russell’s consideration of the disconnection between children and parents

III. Theme of the text

The text is about:

mother’s problems  

unable to understand his mother… 

unable to understand his own children

disconnection between children and parents  

generation gap: causes and solutions

What issues are reflected?

Generation gap, aging problem, family bond

Theme of the story

It is the responsibility of both parents and children to bridge the generation gap. On the one hand, young people should have more interest and respect of what their parents stand for. On the other hand, old people should show understanding to young people’s great interest in the future.