Final answer:
Gerald's 'Speech of Defence' pays tribute to his mother by illustrating the deep love and respect he held for her, reflecting on their shared experiences and his longing to fulfill his duty towards her. He equates her loss with the reopening of an old wound, indicating his profound grief and the indelible impact she had on his life.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the 'Speech of Defence,' Gerald passionately commemorates his mother, equating her loss with the reopening of an old wound and emphasizing his deep admiration for her as both a mother and a woman. He acknowledges the dual sorrow of reliving his grandmother's death through his mother's passing, expressing how both women were great and dearly loved without favoritism. Gerald's tribute reveals his unwavering dedication during their lifetimes, from comforting them in exile to seeking vengeance upon their return, yet he feels incapable of fully repaying the debt of gratitude he owes. The sense of duty and profound longing for his mother's safety alludes to his wish for more time to honor her legacy.
Gerald's maternal tribute resonates across different contexts and narratives, including a child's recollection of his absent mother in a letter, someone's refusal to let another speak ill of their mother, an acknowledgment of easing a mother's final days, candid discussions about the impact of parental influence on children's morality, and the engraved patriotism within the sentiments of a mother during times of war. In these vignettes, the mother figure stands as a pivotal force, shaping lives and morals, symbolizing home and nurturing, and raising significant emotional and ethical questions.