CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER THREE THE SON

Section Three The Middle Son

The distinctive traits of middle sons are militancy (calling it quarrelsomeness would sound a bit crude), cunning, a talent for managing, strictness, skill in crafts, trade and work done by hand, and hot temper. The quality of submission is lacking in them. There is, most likely, a habit of rivalry with the older brother. For this reason, in many families the middle son's obedience to the firstborn son appears relatively weak. The middle son is a perfect defender, a master with golden hands, one who solves problems practically and looks at a situation through the eyes of reality. In the shadow of the firstborn son, the middle son works less and may also fall into laziness. As the middle son steps toward good manners and morals, wisdom and enlightenment, his criticizable traits turn into beautiful and enviable character. The middle son is the keeper of balance in the family — in emotional moments he puts reason to work; when people rely solely on reason, he reminds them of humanity. Middle sons often make their parents suffer: disobedience and unruliness mostly come from them. But it is also easy for them to pull off the richest and most sincere kindnesses. The middle son's sharp calculation, prudent thinking and self-confidence are the backbone of the family's edifice.

Akrom MALIK