Many works highlight the "primal bond" of maternal love as a source of survival against extraordinary odds.

In literature, authors like James Joyce and Franz Kafka have explored the complexities of the mother-son relationship. In Joyce's "Ulysses," the character of Leopold Bloom is deeply influenced by his mother, whose memory continues to shape his identity and inform his relationships. Kafka's "The Metamorphosis," on the other hand, presents a more ambivalent portrayal of the mother-son bond, as Gregor Samsa's transformation into a vermin-like creature leads to a reevaluation of his relationship with his mother.

Mother-son relationships in cinema and literature are often portrayed through a lens of extreme emotional intensity, ranging from unconditional devotion psychological devastation