In "The Second Coming" by Walker Percy, the protagonist reflects on the resilience instilled in him by his mother, who was determined to see him succeed despite his own struggles with failure. This dynamic illustrates the tension between parental expectations and individual aspirations, highlighting a common theme of familial influence on personal development.

The quote, "My mother refused to let me fail. So I insisted," captures the essence of this relationship. It reveals the protagonist's inner conflict as he contemplates the pressures to meet his mother's desires while simultaneously grappling with his own need for independence and self-definition. This struggle is a poignant reminder of the complexities that can arise from the love and expectations of family.