Describe the mental pain that Andrew experienced in the story “Birth.”

Andrew Manson, the protagonist in “Birth” by A.J. Cronin, goes through intense mental turmoil that reflects both his emotional depth and moral strength. After assisting in a difficult childbirth, he finds the baby lifeless, while the mother lies unconscious. 

The sight shocks him deeply, filling his mind with a sense of failure, exhaustion, and despair. Having witnessed so much suffering in his medical practice, this moment becomes a test of his endurance and compassion. His mind battles between hopelessness and duty. The crushing silence in the room mirrors his inner anxiety. He feels the weight of responsibility—both as a doctor and as a human being. 

Yet, amidst the chaos of thought and fatigue, his determination rises. He refuses to accept defeat and channels his distress into action. When the baby finally breathes, his mental pain transforms into overwhelming relief and triumph. 

This emotional rollercoaster exposes his humanity, showing how deeply he is affected by the suffering of others. The mental pain Andrew faces is not only about fear of failure but also about his compassion and moral struggle to bring life out of despair, symbolizing the emotional burden carried by healers.