How Many Miles to Babylon?

From ZuluNotes - Free Leaving Cert Notes

Theme and issue

Father son relationship

Mr. Moore, although his parental instincts are more finely woven in the novel, goes against the natural inclination of his son. This is evident in his scepticism about Jerry Crowes friendship with his son Alec and in his submission to his wifes bullying about his son's education. When Mr Moore eventually talks it is in the form of a confused old man raving about the mistakes of the past and his fears for the future of his son. Alec's relationship with his father is unsatisfactory and uncommunicative. Alec's decision leaves his father bereft of his only source of love. Their parting scene in the novel is heart reaking. Given the period in which the novel is set in Alec and his father do not show the intensity of their feelings for each other but it is evident by Mr. Moore's action of giving Alec the pocket watch and money that he loves him even if they have a lack of communication. Alec accepts the boi of money given to him, understanding it as a a gesture of love. The gold watch metaphorically represents his beating heart, that somehow if Alec kept his watch close by it would protect him from danger and give him comfort.

Father son relationship is strained and problematic, they do not really know each other. Even as he awaits his execution he does not attempt to contact his father. He takes the heartfelt decision to face death alone....