Part A: Matching
| Term | Definition |
| Formalism | Concentrates on the form of literature itself. |
| Marxist | Theory that looks at 2 divisions in society: the Bourgeoisie and the Proletariats |
| Feminism | Imbalance of power that marginalizes women and their work. |
| Reader’s Response | seeks to explain the diversity of readers’ responses to literary work |
| Diction | Words hold the key to meaning |
| Symbolism | A ‘dove’ represents peace |
| Imagery | The word’s emotional content. |
| Connotation | Witty language used to convey insults. |
| Hyperbole | Over-exaggeration |
| Satire | “It will have blood, they say. Blood will have blood” (llLiv. 122) |
Part B: Literary Analysis
Question 1
| Literary Lens | Analysis |
| Marxist Critism | Marxist Criticism focuses on the social, economic, and political aspects of literature, exploring how literature reflects or challenges the power structures and class struggles in society. Evidence from the story supporting a Marxist analysis:Economic Struggle: The Mayor’s dire need for dental care in the face of potential threats serves as a poignant mirror reflecting the pervasive economic struggles within the society portrayed in the narrative. His desperation becomes emblematic of a broader issue, shedding light on the glaring gaps in healthcare accessibility. The Mayor’s stoic willingness to endure pain and potential harm underscores a sobering reality – a society where essential healthcare is a luxury, not a right. This narrative choice powerfully highlights the social inequities and economic hardships that force individuals to risk their well-being due to the unavailability or unaffordability of essential medical services.Class Distinctions: The narrative meticulously sketches out a vivid class distinction between Aurelio Escovar, the self-taught dentist, and the Mayor, illuminating the complex power dynamics and class hierarchy entrenched within the community. Despite lacking formal credentials, Aurelio assumes a position of authority as the Mayor seeks out his dental services. This stark contrast underscores how societal structures can defy conventional expectations, revealing an unconventional power dynamic where expertise and influence are not solely dictated by formal education. The interaction between Aurelio and the Mayor becomes a microcosm of the intricate social fabric, emphasizing that authority often transcends traditional markers, offering a nuanced commentary on the complexities of class relationships within the narrative’s societal backdrop.Imbalance of Power: The Mayor’s vulnerability in the dentist’s chair is a powerful metaphor, unravelling the transient nature of political power. Despite wielding authority in the political realm, he becomes a mere subject under Aurelio’s control, highlighting the fragility of his position. This symbolic act underscores a profound truth: power is not absolute, and even the most influential figures are vulnerable. Aurelio’s ability to command the situation reflects the nuanced power dynamics within the narrative, revealing that accurate control often lies in unexpected places. It serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable sway individuals like Aurelio may hold over those seemingly entrenched in positions of authority.Symbolism of Tooth Extraction: The tooth extraction takes on a symbolic significance, transcending the realm of dentistry to become a metaphor for extracting a form of payment for past actions. Aurelio’s poignant declaration, “Now you’ll pay for our twenty dead men,” amplifies this symbolism, weaving a narrative thread of societal debt and the reckoning of a cost far beyond the dental procedure’s confines. This suggests a complex interplay between personal choices and the collective consequences of actions, where even a routine act holds more profound implications within the broader tapestry of societal responsibilities.A Marxist analysis of the story “One of the Days” reveals underlying themes of class distinctions, economic struggles, and power imbalances, providing insight into the societal structure and dynamics within the narrative. |
Question 2
| Story Element | Explanation | Example |
| Setting | The setting, eloquently introduced in the opening sentence as “Monday dawned warm and rainless,” serves as a critical backdrop, shaping the atmosphere and influencing the unfolding events within the narrative. The warmth and absence of rain on this particular day create a palpable sense of dryness, infusing the air with an understated tension that lingers throughout the story. The weather, often a subtle yet powerful narrative element, becomes a silent participant in the unfolding drama, casting its metaphorical shadows over the characters and their interactions. The sun’s warmth, unaccompanied by the usual relief of rain, becomes a metaphorical mirror reflecting the arid nature of the circumstances, both climatically and emotionally. This carefully chosen setting serves not only as a descriptive canvas but as a dynamic force, seamlessly interwoven with the narrative fabric, enhancing the reader’s engagement and understanding of the unfolding events on this particular Monday morning. | “Monday dawned warm and rainless.” |
| Place | Immersed within the confined yet pivotal space of Aurelio Escovar’s dental office, the narrative finds its core setting, a stage where the intricacies of the story unfold. This distinctive location becomes more than a mere backdrop; it becomes a character itself, shaping the dynamics of the interactions within its walls. The detailed portrayal of the office, characterized by its aged wooden chair, the rhythmic hum of the pedal drill, and the glass case adorned with ceramic bottles, weaves a vivid tapestry of imagery. This carefully crafted atmosphere transforms the dental office from a mundane backdrop into a nuanced setting, underscoring the unique ambience that encapsulates the narrative’s unfolding drama. | “It was a poor office: an old wooden chair, the pedal drill, a glass case with ceramic bottles.” |
| Imagery | Within the narrative, imagery serves as a potent tool skillfully wielded to illuminate Aurelio Escovar’s actions and the minutiae of his dental realm. The descriptive prowess of the author paints a vibrant mental canvas, allowing readers to visualize the meticulous actions of Escovar with clarity. The vivid portrayal of false teeth and meticulously arranged instruments and the intricacies of dental procedures not only add depth to the setting but also serve as a window into the character’s world. This nuanced imagery not only engages the reader’s senses but also underscores the significance of Escovar’s profession, creating a palpable connection between the narrative, its setting, and the characters’ unfolding roles. | “He took some false teeth, still mounted in their plaster mold, out of the glass case and put on the table a fistful of instruments which he arranged in size order, as if they were on display.” |
| Connotation | In delving into the Mayor’s appearance, connotations serve as a literary brushstroke, intricately adding layers of meaning to the canvas of his character. The deliberate choice to depict the left side of the Mayor’s face as cleanly shaved stands in stark contrast to the neglected, swollen right side adorned with a five-day-old beard. This visual duality becomes a poignant metaphor, hinting at a life marred by asymmetry, suffering, and the slow decay of neglected well-being. The meticulous attention to facial details becomes a silent narrative, portraying the Mayor’s struggles, both physical and metaphorical as if his external appearance mirrors the internal complexities of his existence. | “The Mayor appeared at the door. He had shaved the left side of his face, but the other side, swollen and in pain, had a five-day-old beard.” |
Part C: Poem Analysis
Question 1
Metaphor: The shoreline is a metaphor for the constant edges of decisions in life.
Imagery:
a. “standing upon the constant edges of decision” – evokes an image of standing at the brink of choices.
b. “love in doorways coming and going” – paints a picture of fleeting, transient love in the liminal spaces of doorways.
Question 2
Metaphor: Fear imprinted “like a faint line in the center of our foreheads.”
Simile: Describing the fear as “learning to be afraid with our mother’s milk” uses a simile to emphasize the early and pervasive nature of fear.
Question 3
Hyperbole: “this instant and this triumph / We were never meant to survive” – exaggerates the notion that survival is an extraordinary and unlikely achievement.
Irony: The irony lies in the juxtaposition of “triumph” with the statement “We were never meant to survive,” suggesting that triumph and survival are unexpected in the face of challenges.
Question 4
This poem unfolds as a free verse composition, liberated from the constraints of a predefined rhyme scheme or meter. Its expressive power lies in the absence of a rigid structure, allowing the poet unrestricted artistic freedom. The verses meander organically, following the ebb and flow of emotion rather than conforming to traditional poetic norms. This formless beauty enhances the poem’s authenticity, as the lack of constraints mirrors the untamed nature of its themes, granting the poet the flexibility to capture the raw, unfiltered essence of the subject matter.
Question 5
At its core, the poem delves into the universal human experience, revolving around the intrinsic challenges and fears embedded in the tapestry of life. It poignantly underscores the relentless struggle for survival, a poignant journey marked by confrontations with societal expectations, personal tribulations, and profound existential uncertainties. The theme resonates with readers on a visceral level, capturing the shared essence of the human condition as individuals navigate the complex landscape of adversity.
Question 6
The title, “A Litany for Survival,” evokes a sense of prayerful urgency and a persistent call to action. It perfectly encapsulates the poem’s overarching theme by acknowledging and addressing the myriad challenges and fears individuals confront. The term “litany” suggests a rhythmic repetition, emphasizing the enduring nature of the struggles. In framing these challenges as something to be endured and actively overcome, the title reinforces the poem’s central motif of resilience and the tenacious pursuit of survival.
Question 7
Applying a feminist literary lens to this poem draws attention to Audre Lorde’s profound exploration of societal expectations, fears, and the struggle for survival through a feminist perspective. The reference to being “imprinted with fear” becomes a potent symbol of the gendered impositions ingrained in individuals, reflecting the oppressive weight of societal expectations placed on women. Lorde skillfully unveils the unique challenges faced by those conditioned to fear from a young age, hinting at the pervasive influence of gender-based expectations and inequalities. This feminist interpretation amplifies the poem’s resonance, unravelling layers of societal constructs and emphasizing the resilient struggle for survival within the intricate web of gendered experiences.
Part D: Essay
The Wars: Catalyst for Societal Change
Introduction
Timothy Findley’s novel “The Wars” is a compelling narrative that delves into the human psyche and explores the impact of war on individuals and society. Through its vivid characters and poignant storytelling, the novel catalyzes advocating change in societal attitudes towards war, shedding light on the need for empathy, understanding, and reflection. This essay will analyze how “The Wars” portrays the harsh realities of conflict and seeks to influence and advocate for change in society’s perception of war.
Critique of Authority and Blind Obedience
Timothy Findley’s novel “The Wars” is an astute message about the dark path that destroys someone because of unquestioning loyalty to power. Cognitive reasoning and moral introspection against power is an essential counterpoint to mindless obedience to orders. Findley uses his narrative as a blueprint, challenging the readers with doubts of legitimacy before authority structures and encouraging them to beware of blind follow-ups. This call to action, for instance, the ethical nature of society in questioning unquestioning loyalty and doing right.
The Impact on Families and Relationships
Through Robert’s relationships with his family and comrades, “The Wars” delves into the intricate web of war’s profound impact on interpersonal dynamics, weaving a narrative that extends beyond the battlefield. The strained relationships and emotional trauma experienced by characters such as Mrs. Ross and Robert’s sister, Rowena, vividly illustrate the collateral damage wrought by war on those left behind. As the novel unearths the human cost of conflict on families and communities, it thrusts a mirror before society, compelling contemplation of the far-reaching consequences of war. This exploration serves as a poignant call to arms, challenging individuals and communities to reevaluate their priorities and values. “The Wars” takes the echoes of war in their private lives from its characters and becomes a trigger for creating an urge to change – even though it is one imperative shift toward compassion, empathy, understanding, being able to see where scars of devastation left by war are indelibly printed on human interrelations between people and communities.
Dehumanizing in War
In “The Wars”, Timothy Findley has crafted a ghostly picture of the destructive effects which war cast upon its soldiers, plunging his reader into one’s struggle with her identity. This profound metamorphosis is discerned from the point of view of its main character; when he sets off on his journey, Robert Ross reveals how conflict can erode all forms of identity and morality. By the slow panoramic roll-out of grim realities of trenches together with brutal chaos followed by battle or systematic collapse respectively into meaninglessness regarding social structures, this novel reveals how human degradation brought itself upon it as a result of war. This narrative tactic allows for a powerful address to society as we watch innocent people being engulfed in its whirlpool, paying the heavy price with their lives. Thus, the dramatic representation makes us re-assess rather gloomily how much we tend to glorify what is, in essence, a manmade conflict and makes us confront those ingrained concepts and cultural practices that continue romanticizing such an act of war. “The Wars” is an eloquent advocate for pause, requiring society to consider the human toll of war and reconsider what it understands as heroism and sacrifice.
Animal Imagery and Social Critique
In “The Wars”, Timothy Findley uses animal storytelling as a solid tool to show the foul sides of wars. Thus, such a profound metaphor does not stay only on the battleground but goes to every aspect of social structures that support these devastating activities. This way, the images of animals turn this book into a social satire; it would make its readers think if life, in general, has some worthy value or what it means that people unthinkingly follow all rules defined by society. By viewing the dehumanization of soldiers as part of larger societal values and issues, The Wars then presents itself as an urgent call to change. He makes the reader think reflectively, and everybody inside starts considering what society has forced him to do. So then, in that sense, Findley’s narrative encourages us to be a little more empathetic and aware of conflict – one which can see the innate humanity’s destructive flow setting up unnecessary cycles or struggle over sheer survival.
Conclusion
Timothy Findley’s “The Wars” will be characterized as a multifaceted literary phenomenon that extends beyond narration to become an efficient tool for transforming Canadian readers’ views on warfare. Instalment 15- “The Wars” binds together the entire concept of dehumanization, sensitive use of animal motifs, an in-depth look into ramifications within families and a critical but insightful viewing authority while painting storytelling fabric can make its reader face against reality actual costs that By unmasking harsh facts about behaviour brutality war makes allowance for introspection It urges readers to adopt empathy, foster comprehension and practice critical thinking in advocating for a shift of the paradigm towards healing conflict, its lasting aftermath from a more compassionate as well enlightened perspective.”.
References
Findley T. The Wars, 1977
Lorde A. A Litany for Survival.
Marquez G. G. One of the Days.
