John Mortimer, was both an author and a barrister. His ability to hit a nerve in a humorous way is displayed in his work. In his story, Rumpole and the Married Lady, Mortimer tells the story of a married couple who only communicate by written notes.
Rumpole’s client, Mrs. Thripp, accuses her husband of intolerable conduct in that he has not spoken to her in three years. As it turns out, the Thripp’s son, Norman, has been the note writer. It seems that as long as his parents were in conflict, the child benefitted by receiving presents from them.
Although the story is written in a comedic tone, it reveals a truth: children will take advantage of parents who do not communicate. The result will be a child empowered beyond his or her years.
by Patrick Gaffney
