In the short story “What Do Fish Have to Do with Anything” by Avi, the character Willie faces a significant moment at the end that causes him to walk away from his mother. I believe that Willie was right to leave because it shows his growth and understanding of the complex feelings surrounding their relationship. This essay will discuss the reasons behind Willie’s actions and provide evidence from the text to support this viewpoint.
At the beginning of the story, Willie is portrayed as a thoughtful and observant boy who cares about the feelings of others. He notices that his mother is unhappy and troubled, but he struggles to understand why. Throughout the story, Willie tries to connect with her, as seen when he asks her questions about her worries and feelings. However, no matter how much he tries, he realizes that there is a gap between them. This gap drives Willie to decide to walk away at the end. By doing so, he acknowledges that he cannot fix his mother’s problems and that sometimes, people need space to figure things out on their own.
One key piece of evidence that supports Willie’s decision is when he reflects on how his mother responds to his attempts to help her. For instance, when Willie suggests that they take a walk to enjoy the nice weather, his mother reacts with indifference and continues to brood over her troubles. This moment represents a significant realization for Willie. He understands that no matter how much he cares or how hard he tries, he cannot force his mother to feel better. Instead of continuing to feel frustrated, Willie chooses to walk away, which shows maturity because he recognizes that sometimes, leaving is the best option.
Furthermore, we can see that Willie’s actions reflect a deeper understanding of emotional boundaries. In the text, he realizes, “It was like trying to scoop water with my hands.” This metaphor helps readers understand that he feels helpless in the situation. His decision to walk away signifies his acceptance that he cannot control everything, especially not his mother's feelings. Instead of blaming himself for her sadness, he begins to accept that it might be a part of life they both have to deal with separately.
Some might argue that Willie should have stayed and tried harder to comfort his mother, believing that family support is crucial during tough times. While this viewpoint is understandable, it overlooks the fact that sometimes constant attempts at connection can lead to frustration for both parties. Willie’s choice to walk away does not mean he does not care for his mother; rather, it indicates that he respects her need for space and acknowledges his own limitations in addressing her feelings.
In conclusion, Willie was right to walk away from his mother at the end of the story. His choice demonstrates growth, self-awareness, and a nuanced understanding of emotional boundaries. By recognizing that he cannot solve his mother's unhappiness, Willie takes a step towards maturity and allows both himself and his mother the chance to reflect on their feelings independently. This story teaches us that, sometimes, giving someone space is the most supportive action we can take.
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