In “Weir of Hermiston,” Chapter II, “Father and Son,” the complex and strained relationship between Lord Justice-Clerk Adam Weir and his son Archie is explored against the backdrop of late 18th century Scotland. The chapter reveals the stark contrast between the two characters: Adam Weir, a respected yet feared judge known for his stoicism, imperiousness, and dedication to law, and his son Archie, a sensitive and intelligent young man with a penchant for the humanities, fostered by his friendship with Lord Glenalmond.

Adam Weir’s lack of interest in his son’s early life and education, except for ensuring he followed a conventional path of a boy of his station, epitomizes the emotional distance between them. The father’s rare attempts at bonding, such as sharing murder cases with a young Archie on a trip to Hermiston, are misguided and serve only to leave a lasting, grim impression on Archie. Their interactions are characterized by Adam’s sardonic and often contemptuous demeanor, contrasted with Archie’s growing distaste and discomfort with his father’s crude expressions of humor and views, especially during the elder Weir’s indulgent and demeaning gatherings.

Archie’s education and interests lead him away from his father’s world of law and order, toward aspirations influenced by Lord Glenalmond’s gentle guidance. Despite Lord Hermiston’s attempts, albeit half-hearted and awkward, to connect with his son, he fails to bridge the emotional and intellectual chasm that has formed between them. The father’s obstinate disposition and the son’s sensitive nature exacerbate their estrangement, casting a shadow over their relationship. Adam Weir’s inability to express affection or understand his son’s aspirations, coupled with Archie’s repulsion and avoidance, encapsulates the tragedy of their relationship—an inability to communicate and understand one another, setting the stage for ensuing conflicts and Archie’s struggle between duty and desire.

The chapter poignantly captures the generational tension and the clash of ideals between a rigid, unyielding father and his progressive, idealistic son. Through their turbulent relationship, Stevenson explores themes of authority, rebellion, and the quest for individual identity against the expectations of familial legacy and societal norms.