Why does the author choose to end the scene with Alfred's reflection about his mother? A. The reflection allows for readers to consider the importance of a mother-son
relationship.
B. The excitement of the conflict between Mr. Carr and Mrs. Higgins must be resolved in the end.
C. The author wants to wind down the action and elicit sympathy for Alfred from the
reader.
D. The change Alfred undergoes as a result of his new understanding emphasizes the
coming of age theme.

D. The change Alfred undergoes as a result of his new understanding emphasizes the coming of age theme.

Explanation:

The questions above is related to the story entitled, "All the Years of Her Life," written by Morley Callaghan.

The story centers on Alfred and his mother, Mrs. Higgins. Alfred worked in a store owned by Mr. Carr. However, on one occasion, he was caught by Mr. Carr stealing a compact, a lipstick and two tubes of toothpaste. Mr. Carr called Alfred's mother about the incident, but Alfred's mother was calm enough to convince Mr. Carr to let Alfred go.

After the incident (upon bedtime), Alfred saw his mother drinking a cup of tea. There he saw how his mother actually looked like–that she was already old with lines on her grey face. This situation made Alfred realize how much he has troubled his mother over the years. This also emphasizes Alfred's transition to becoming an adult who finally, is more mature and able to understand the whole situation.