Birth – Notes
About the Author
- Archibald Joseph Cronin (A.J. Cronin) (1896–1981), Scottish physician and novelist.
- Known for novels such as The Citadel and The Keys of the Kingdom.
- His medical background often shaped his writings, blending human emotions with professional duty.
Introduction
- Birth is an excerpt from A.J. Cronin’s novel The Citadel.
- It describes the story of Dr Andrew Manson, a young and dedicated doctor.
- The story highlights his struggle to save both a mother and her stillborn child, showing the importance of perseverance, medical knowledge, and faith in life.
Themes
- Dedication and Responsibility – A doctor’s duty goes beyond routine work.
- Faith in Science and Hard Work – Medical knowledge combined with determination brings miracles.
- Hope and Rebirth – Symbolises new beginnings and optimism in life.
- Human Values – Compassion, service, and courage.
- Struggle Between Life and Death – The thin line separating existence from non-existence.
Detailed Summary / Notes
1. Andrew’s Background
- Young doctor, newly qualified.
- Working as an assistant to Dr Edward Page in a small Welsh mining town.
- Recently returned late at night after a difficult conversation with his girlfriend, Christine.
2. The Call
- On reaching home around midnight, a miner Joe Morgan awaited him.
- Joe’s wife, Susan Morgan, was about to give birth after twenty years of marriage.
- The event was of great importance to the family and community.
- Andrew immediately went with Joe to attend the delivery.
3. The Situation at the Morgans’ Home
- The house was clean, simple, and filled with anxiety.
- Susan Morgan was in labour, attended by her mother and a midwife.
- Andrew examined her and waited patiently.
- Labour continued for hours – Susan was exhausted but determined.
4. The Delivery
- Around 3:30 a.m., the child was delivered.
- But to everyone’s shock, the child did not breathe – it appeared stillborn.
- At the same time, Susan’s condition worsened; she was weak and almost unconscious.
- Andrew had to take a quick decision – whether to save the mother first or the child.
5. Saving the Mother
- He injected medicine (a dose of pituitrin and some drops of ether) to help the mother recover.
- Slowly, her pulse improved, and her life was secured.
6. Rescuing the Baby
- Andrew then turned his attention to the lifeless child.
- He recalled medical techniques he had once studied:
- Hot and cold water treatment (alternating baths).
- Artificial respiration.
- He worked tirelessly, dipping the baby in hot and cold water, then pressing and releasing its chest.
- For nearly half an hour, he laboured without success.
- Finally, the child started breathing and crying.
7. Outcome
- Both mother and child were saved.
- The Morgans and the entire household were filled with relief and gratitude.
- Exhausted but satisfied, Andrew left the house quietly, filled with pride in his profession.
Character Sketch
Dr Andrew Manson
- Young, passionate, and deeply committed.
- Sensitive to human suffering.
- Courageous and quick decision-maker.
- Blended medical knowledge with persistence.
- Symbolises the ideal doctor – dedicated to saving lives at any cost.
Susan Morgan
- A woman who suffered long years of childlessness.
- Courageous and hopeful despite weakness.
- Represents motherly love and sacrifice.
Joe Morgan
- Loving and caring husband.
- His anxiety showed his deep affection for his wife.
- Represents faith in doctors and human values.
Title Significance
- The word “Birth” refers not only to the physical birth of the child but also to the rebirth of hope, faith, and joy.
- It symbolises new beginnings for the Morgans and satisfaction for Andrew as a doctor.
Key Points for Exams
- Conflict: Life vs Death (mother and child).
- Message: Dedication, persistence, and medical science can work miracles.
- Tone: Dramatic, intense, yet hopeful.
- Moral: True service requires patience, courage, and selflessness.