The Sound of Hollyhocks

The theme of Hugh Garner’s “The Sound of Hollyhocks” concerns one of Canada’s most serious social problems. The theme suggests how condescension and discrimination can have devastating effects on the people around us. The story is set in Pinehills Clinic where alcoholics and psychotics are placed to recover. Wilf Armstrong, an alcoholic at the clinic, ends up with “Rock Hudson”, who is a psychotic at the hospital, as his roommate. “Rock Hudson” was …

…and convicted for their crimes. Everyday, things similar to this happen, and many people get away with it. Social problems as serious as this cannot be ignored. In order for us to prevent things like this from happening, we must instill a sense of morals into our youths, teaching them that condescension and discrimination isn’t right. So that blacks, whites, or any color for that matter, will not be a basis for judging someone.