Final answer:
The relationship between the boy and his mother in "The Sky is Gray" is depicted as genuine and layered, characterized by growth and adaptation rather than mere sentimentality.
Step-by-step explanation:
In "The Sky is Gray," the relationship between the boy and his mother is complex and multifaceted. It is depicted as one that transcends the conventional sentimentality often portrayed in art; it is shown as a realistic dynamic that involves growth, adaptation, and mutual influence. The mother's challenges in parenting are acknowledged, and this acknowledgment allows for an exploration of motherhood beyond idealized notions. Through the son's separation from his mother and his choice to study and make his mark on the world, we witness individual development and his response to the familial and personal struggles he faces.
The excerpt mentioning the boy's decision to go to a far-off country implies a determination to forge his own identity separate from his troubled family life, particularly the complicated relationship with his mother. It hints at the strength of their bond, despite—or perhaps because of—the inherent difficulties that lie within it. As the boy's understanding of his own intellect and capability grows, exemplified by his learning Chinese works on astronomy, so too does his relationship with his mother, which shapes his future aspirations.