"Blood" by Keith Aitchison
             In this Critical Essay, I am studying a short story by Keith Aitchison called "Blood". It is set in the present day in both Glasgow, in Scotland and Belfast, in Northern Ireland. There are two different journeys, the first is a Literal journey because it is set in Glasgow and Belfast and the second a Metaphorical journey because Martin is learning and discovering as he travels and grows. I will look at how the characters change in different settings, such as Glasgow and Belfast, what the theme is thoughout the short story and the structure of the short story, ways in which the story is set out (long, short sentences etc.)
             These are some of the characters in the story. The story opens up with Martin O'Brien a nineteen year old Catholic boy living in Glasgow, Scotland also he is curious to learn about his grandfather but his mother won't say anything on the subject. He lives with his mother, Mary O'Brien, Mary isn't a main important character in the story so not much is known about her. Martin's Uncle and Mary's brother, Timothy (Tim) just arriving in Glasgow because he has come over to visit them for a short time. Tim is a liar because later on he tells Martin he is a member of the IRA and Martin believes this but we soon find out that he isn't.
             I find that in the opening, Martin isn't quite sure on what to think of his Uncle with his sarcastic attitude since it has been a number of years since they have seen each other. One way this is shown in the opening paragraphs is as follows.
             "And this hulking giant cannot be young Martin?"
             To follow this, I think Martin in return gave a sarcastic reply to his Uncle Tim, as if to treat him like an adult and not a child. I think Martin is angry at the comment his Uncle has made, unknown to his Uncle and Martin says a strong powerful "I'm
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