Questionable action by Miss Moffat, and Morgan's response I've loved this movie since I first saw it, although there's one thing that bothers me about the story. That Miss Moffat should have even suggested to Morgan that he not come to see her or his illegitimate child again, and make Oxford his sole involvement for the immediate future, seems to have been extremely presumptuous on her part, maybe even heartless. She is determined to retain her own "creation" ( i.e.Morgan, as the Oxford scholar), but deny his to him ( i.e. His son). This is particularly troubling because, as in the case of divorced couples in which the mother is granted custody of the children, the father often is given visitation rights. There seems no legitimateno reason why Morgan could not have seen his son, even if adopted by Miss Moffat (who might be explained as an "aunt" or "grandparent"). Bessie had no interest in the child, in any case.
That Morgan should have conceded to Moffat's wishes, portrays him as being somewhat of a wimp. Moffat, through her pronounced influence over Morgan, seems almost to have given him with one hand, and to have taken away with the other. The result is that he becomes more of a scholar, but less of a human being. In one moment he loudly proclaims his role and responsibility in creating this life, but almost immediately after, is dissuaded from his dedication by Miss Moffat and her influence over him to achieve her own, selfish objective - to see Morgan succeed so that, vicariously, her personal efforts are rewarded and she is fulfilled.
Yes, Miss Moffat is the staunch, devoted teacher who has "discovered" Morgan as her "diamond in the rough". She has his best interests at heart, but also her own selfishness, as well, in seeing that her "creation" succeeds, at any cost, made evident by the movie's end. She wants them both to succeed but sees her success as possible only by having Morgan abandon his own flesh and blood in pursuit of the "higher goals" she has set for him. She has, in effect, exerted a form of "mind control" over Morgan, effectively having him reject his justified sense of paternal love so that she may be fulfilled. This development always leaves me with a bitter taste in my mouth.