Birth by A J Cronin
An Overview
Introduction
‘Birth’ is an extract from ‘The Citadel’ by A J Cronin, which was published in
1937. It is the story of a doctor’s attempt to bring a precious stillborn back to life.
It signifies not only the birth of a baby but also the birth of a wonderful physician.
Through his patient and relentless efforts, the doctor achieves nothing short of a
miracle, bringing joy and relief to the family. This also gives him a sense of
purpose as he experiences having done ‘something real’ at last.
Themes
Birth conveys the idea that a noble deed done to save a life is the most
satisfying feeling in the world. Such a deed provides immense joy, as in the case
of the protagonist Andrew, who saves the mother and her child, forgetting all his
problems. The story also revolves around the theme of doctors and how their
dedication and thoughtful approach can achieve miracles. Dr. Manson
exemplifies virtues of courage and optimism, bringing immeasurable joy to the
middle-aged parents. The pricelessness of human life which only doctors can
restore is also a noticeable premise. How this gives Andrew a sense of purpose
and achievement and helps him find his true calling is also a subject.
Significance of Title
The title Birth is significant as it denotes the birth of two – the birth of a stillborn
child, which was brought to life; and the birth of the wonderful doctor whose life
found new meaning.
Characters
Dr. Andrew Manson – A doctor working in the mining town of Blaenelly
Joe Morgan – a mine worker
Susan Morgan – Joe Morgan’s wife & the expecting mother
Susan’s mother – who helps during the delivery of the baby
The Midwife- A nurse who is pessimistic, resigned, and fearful in contrast to
Andrew.
Christine – The woman Andrew loves
Highlights
• Dr. Andrew Manson is returning home after a disappointing visit with his
lady love, Christine and he had no notion that this night was going to mark
a turning point in his life and career.
• He finds Joe Morgan, a poor miner, anxious and worried, waiting for him.
Morgan’s wife was in labor, before the expected date. This is their first
child in a marriage of nearly twenty years.
• Joe tells Andrew that he is too anxious to go inside, so Andrew walks in
alone. Mrs. Morgan, Susan’s mother, wise but tense at the moment, offers
him some tea. As he sips his tea, he begins to think about his girlfriend. He
recalls how his friends too are having a hard time in their relationships. On
the other hand, he feels that marriage is meant to be something peaceful
and cheerful. Thus, he finds himself in a conflict.
• Realising that the old lady might be worried about him leaving during the
waiting period, he gave her a gentle smile and comforted her by assuring
her that he will not go away.
• He knew it was impossible for him to even get an hour’s worth of sleep if
he went home. Although new in his line or practice, he was aware that the
situation was critical and called for his attentiveness. Strangely, he felt a bit
active and decided to stay at the place till his duty was fulfilled.
• At half-past three the nurse calls him from the top landing. He goes up to
begin his work. After a harsh struggle lasting an hour, the child is born,
though still and listless.
• Andrew recovers from his initial shock and is caught in a dilemma between
reviving the child and his obligation to save the mother. He instinctively
hands the child over to the nurse and decides to save the mother first. He
worked frantically to help her regain her fading strength. At last, with an
injection, her pulse strengthens and he feels that she would be safe.
• Meanwhile, the midwife, who had no medical training, sees the body(of the
baby) in her arms as a lifeless lump and places it under the bed among
sodden newspapers.
• Andrew draws the baby out and quickly diagnoses the probable cause of
stillbirth: asphyxia pallida, i.e. suffocation due to lack of oxygen
• He instantly recalls a case he had once observed at the Samaritan,
through which a child had been successfully resuscitated. He tries
simultaneous hot and cold dips to shock the body and to jump-start the
heart. This effort lasts for about half an hour but is futile. The midwife
watches on in dismay, as she feels the child was dead. In one last effort,
Andrew rubbed the baby’s body with a rough towel crushing and releasing
the little chest, trying to resuscitate the child.
• At last, as if it were a miracle, the baby lets out a short convulsive heave.
And slowly, it springs to life, letting out the most exquisite cry.
• Andrew is dazed and weak and unable to believe himself. Taking a drink of
water, he meets Joe on the pavement and conveys to him that both the
mother and the baby were well.
• As he left the house, he realized that he had truly saved a life that night
fulfilling the purpose of his profession. For the first time in his life, he felt he
had done something ‘real’, something worthwhile.
