Personal Reflection

...2008 has brought a highly memorable experience in the reading of such a well written novel. Many enriched concepts were explored by Ann-Marie MacDonald that produced a deeper awareness in the reader. Through the collaborative processes produced in the ISU, I was treated to an indepth examination of Canadian literature that has greatly shaped my thinking. Before reading Fall on Your Knees, I felt little enthusiasm for this type of literature, but this book awakened my senses to great Canadian writing. If it wasn't for the ISU, I would not have discovered and understood the complexity and the value of this novel as a piece of Canaidan literature. Macdonald demonstrates in the story thoughts that are both provoking and ageless. However, for me, her writing ability was emphasized by vivid imagery. This captivated and drew me closer emotionally by having the experience of connecting with the characters and walking in their foot steps.

The reading of this novel not only enlightened me, it also improved my vocabulary and writing skills. I found that I wrote more artfully and this assisted me to optimize my writing skills to a whole new level. By critically analyzing and taking the book apart in text, it gave me a deeper understanding in identifying the purpose of reading. Reading can be a time pass or an assignment in comprehension, but this year reading gave me a much deeper meaning. This sprawling and powerful novel ultimately represents that there is more to reading than just dissecting the author's principles, style, and intentions when writing. It gave me an insightful view of Cape Breton, as the whole novel is painted in this angelic landscape. As well, I know there is still much room for improvement in my writing. Perhaps I should try to simplify and not over embellish my work. Although I wasn't able to comprehend the novel's mature themes and apply it to myself, it gleaned a deeper understanding of the various events taking place in everyday households. MacDonald's success lies in her unexpected ways of illuminating the plot of the novel despite the many twists of its tale.

Moreover, this engaging and provocative study of Canadian literature redefines my understanding of the importance of connecting and fundamentally extending my intellectual ability when reading. I must say, when I first glanced at the project, I thought back to the tapestry of many other reading and writing assignments. However, as this collaborative adventure proceeded I understood the benefits of such a project. I have a much better comprehension of the significance of Canadian literature and a broader scope on this particular piece of Canadian fiction. This is the first time I actually developed new respect for the heart of Canadian literature. As a result, this independent study project shaped my future reading and writing. MacDonald’s talent shows the power that lies in the heart of a place imagined in reading and writing.

Bibliography

"Ann Marie MacDonald ." The New Face of Fiction . 2006. Random House of Canada . 14 Oct
2008 http://www.randomhouse.ca/newface/macdonald.php.

"Chalmers Awards for Creativity and Excellence in the Arts." Ontario Arts Council . 4 Nov
2008 http://www.arts.on.ca/Page143.aspx.

Cole , Susan. "ANN-MARIE MACDONALD." NowToronto.com. 1/10/03. 14 Oct 2008
http://www.nowtoronto.com/issues/2003-09-25/cover_story.php.

"Commonwealth Writer's Prize ." Culture Programme News . Commonwealth Foundation .
4 Nov, 2008. http://www.commonwealthfoundation.com/culturediversity/writersprize/.

"Dartmouth Book Awards ." Halifax Regional Municipality . 12 Sept, 2008 . 4 Nov 2008
http://www.halifax.ca/bookawards/.

"Genie Awards ." Wikipedia . 4 Nov 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genie_Award.

"Governor General's Award." Wikipedia. 4 Nov 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor_General.

Jurina, Gabor . "Ann-Marie MacDonald ." 16th Annual Vancouver Writers Festival . 14 Oct
2008 http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/2003festival/author.php?author=43.

"Life and Times: Canada's Premiere Biography Series ." cbc.ca. 2006. CBC. 14 Oct 2008
http://www.cbc.ca/lifeandtimes/host.html.

MacDonald , Ann-Marie . Fall on Your Knees . Toronto: Vintage Canada , 1996.

MacDonald, Ann-Marie ." Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia . 2008. Athabasca University . 13 Oct 2008 http://www.canadiantheatre.com/dict.pl?term=MacDonald%2C%20Ann-Marie.

MacRae, Shannon. "CFP: Ann-Marie MacDonald ." 29/05/2000 4 Nov 2008
http://cfp.english.upenn.edu/archive/2000-05/0088.html.

"Poetry Award ." Canadian Authors Association . 12 May 2008. CAA. 4 Nov 2008
http://www.canauthors.org/awards/poetry.html.

Pond , Edward . "About Ann Marie MacDonald ." Read Magazine . 2001. Book Buzz Newsletter
4 Nov 2008 http://www.randomhouse.ca/readmag/volume4issue2/interviews/aboutann-marie.htm.

Scott, Shelley . "Ann-Marie MacDonald (1959-)." The Literary Encyclopedia . 2004. 4 Nov 2008 http://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=5369.

Walker, Craig . "MacDonald, Ann-Marie ." The Canadian Encyclopedia . 13 Oct 2008 http://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.com/index.cfm?PgNm=TCE&Params=A1ARTA0009743.

Winfrey , Oprah. "Oprah's Book Clubs ." Oprah.com. 24/01/02. 14 Oct 2008 http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahsbookclub/pastselections/obc_20020124_about.

Winfrey , Oprah . "Oprah's Book Clubs: Interview with the Author." Oprah.com. 24/01/02. 14 Oct 2008 . http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahsbookclub/obc_20020405_profile/3.

Bibliography for Explication

MacDonald , Ann-Marie . Fall on Your Knees. Toronto: Vintage Canada , 1996.

Explication

In Polti's Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations, the element of cruelty and misfortune reveals the tragic and unfortunate events throughout the novel. In the beginning, we encounter a very dreadful action that results in the destruction of relationships. The seduction of Materia results in the separation of her family, “She was dead to them all from that day forth” (18). Due to the unfortunate event indicated in Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations, Materia was disowned and rejected by her family due to her betrayal. This separation is further revealed by Mrs. Mahmoud when she, “…watched her husband eat and thought of her lost daughter,” (51). In addition Materia's pregnancy was a disaster. Because she was not ready for childbirth, this had a huge psychological effect.. She eloped with James at the age of thirteen and soon after got pregnant. This is exemplified when, “Materia hadn't produced a drop and the baby was fit to be tied...Materia just sat there, mute as usual, her dress open, her nipples cracked and bleeding, oozing milk.” (34) With the emotional and hormonal changes, pregnancy is a psychological event for a woman. Furthermore, in reference to 's Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations, with an unfortunate event, a master is present. James Piper created a very strong bond with his first daughter Kathleen. In fact, their love was so powerful that he loved her more than his wife. This is demonstrated when, “They went on long walks hand in hand…” (38). He gave up his studies and concentrated on spending as much time with his daughter as possible. For instance, “He hadn’t much time for his own reading…James taught his daughter to read words soon after she learned to read music,” (40). However,as in certain extreme situations, he went over the line. The closeness of their relationship lead to tragic results – incest. This is exemplified through his emotions and actions; “A life and warmth enter his body that he hasn’t felt…She will be safe with him, I’ll keep you safe, my darling, oh how he loves this girl…” (61). His love for her lead to sexual desires. This is revealed through James when, “he shocked himself. He lets her go and withdraws abruptly so she will not notice what has happened to him,” (61). However, his passion for her grew. He made a special visit to New York when Kathleen was accomplishing her studies to fulfill his sexual arousal. “He takes her in his arms. She is naked with shame, just wants some clothes, please –” (549) This is all triggered by a master according to 's Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations. Because of James, the master, these events lead to incest.

Furthermore, the misfortune of abuse resulted in France's disappearance. James cruelty towards Frances left her to run. This is exemplified when James states, “I have to find Frances now…” (369). This is an example of many incidents where violence and torture turn into love. James' abusiveness is further developed when he practices his molestation against Frances. For instance, “Daddy kissing the top of her head with a long knife in his hand…” (369). Furthermore, the catastrophe looms and is further advanced due to the sins and secrets of the father. Frances is sexually abused, beaten and berated by her father. This is apparent when, “There’s blood crusting her nose and filling the gully that meets her upper lip” (366). It is appalling to see the whole family fall apart due to James' offenses. The reader sympathizes with the innocent Piper sisters along with their anger towards James. Another element of misfortune is murder. Kathleen died during childbirth. This is revealed when, Materia “takes a pair of scissors – old kitchen scissors freshly sharp and sterilized to cut the cord – and plunges the pointier blade into Kathleen’s abdomen just above the topography of buried head” (135). This disastrous event was all because of James. James had an affair with his own daughter, made her pregnant and was responsible for her death. “Piper killed his daughter by not calling the doctor…” (355). James' actions resulted in the misfortune for the entire family. The other Piper sisters are greatly affected because after the deaths of Materia and Mercedes, the next oldest sister assumes a mother figure to her younger sister and her father. “Mercedes assumes the responsibility for the soul of Lily Piper,” (171). As a result, due to James' disastrous actions great misfortunes change the lives of many.

Lastly, Frances’ behaviour leads to many misfortunes. By acting out to disguise her love and fear that she will not be loved by her family leads to a path of trouble. “What kind of man disowns his daughter? Frances is a diamond passed from filthy paw to paw but never diminished” (335). Due to the abuse of Frances, she has a way to escape her burden and the stress of family. This affects their father-daughter relationship. We know this through Mercedes perception when she ponders “Daddy’s love for Lily and his anger at Frances” (189). It also creates problems at homes and pollutes the environment. Frances constantly disappears and one day she gets shot. This was unexpected. “Teresa swung the rifle through a hundred and eighty degrees, caught it with her shoulder, armed and fired (401). Poor Frances was pregnant and as a result, the infant died. This was another misfortune due to Teresa's actions. In spite of all the disturbances and the conflicts that have arisen, MacDonald wraps up the loose ends by gripping the unforgettable characters that are so realistically evoked. This gives the reader a complete feeling of satisfaction by visioning a new beginning for Lily, even though at times you are still struck with the unanticipated knowledge that was provided. Thus, Politi's seventh situation of misfortune identifies a type of tragedy in which various unfortunate events take place triggered by a master, James, which further results in many tragic misfortunes.

Bibliography for Apologia

"Ann Marie MacDonald ." The New Face of Fiction . 2006. Random House of Canada . 14 Oct 2008. http://www.randomhouse.ca/newface/macdonald.php.

"Chalmers Awards for Creativity and Excellence in the Arts." Ontario Arts Council . 4 Nov 2008
http://www.arts.on.ca/Page143.aspx

"Commonwealth Writer's Prize ." Culture Programme News . Commonwealth Foundation. 4 Nov 2008. http://www.commonwealthfoundation.com/culturediversity/writersprize/

"Dartmouth Book Awards ." Halifax Regional Municipality . 12 Sept, 2008 . 4 Nov 2008
http://www.halifax.ca/bookawards/

"Genie Awards ." Wikipedia . 4 Nov 2008. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genie_Award

"Governor General's Award." Wikipedia . 4 Nov 2008
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor_General

MacDonald, Ann-Marie ." Canadian Theatre Encyclopedia . 2008. Athabasca University . 13 Oct 2008 . http://www.canadiantheatre.com/dict.pl?term=MacDonald%2C%20Ann-Marie

"Poetry Award ." Canadian Authors Association . 12 May 2008. CAA. 4 Nov 2008
http://www.canauthors.org/awards/poetry.html.

Pond , Edward . "About Ann Marie MacDonald ." Read Magazine . 2001. Book Buzz Newsletter 4 Nov2008.
http://www.randomhouse.ca/readmag/volume4issue2/interviews/aboutann-marie.htm Scott,

Shelley . "Ann-Marie MacDonald (1959-)." The Literary Encyclopedia . 2004. 4 Nov
2008. http://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=5369

Winfrey , Oprah . "Oprah's Book Clubs: Interview with the Author." Oprah.com. 24/01/02.
14 Oct 2008 . http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahsbookclub/obc_20020405_profile/3

Apologia

The novel, Fall on Your Knees by Ann Marie MacDonald sparks a lasting impression on the reader’s view of great Canadian literature. The uniqueness of the fusion of human love, betrayal, faith and suffering give a deep outlook on Cape Breton. Her ability to distill everyday discourses is very compelling. The novel itself is painted on a Cape Breton landscape and is steeped in human emotion. This recreation of the romantic landscape of her childhood shows the real inspiration behind the novel. This epitome of the Canadian novel creates the fragmented feelings that make up so much of what we term understanding. MacDonald conveys the language of the heart that runs below the stumbling blocks of everyday existence. The book explores many obstacles similar to reality. MacDonald builds on the roots of Cape Breton through her own experiences. This produces vivid images in a rainbow array of colour throughout the novel– a very rare talent that can elicit a panorama for others to see. The narrator deftly captures and describes the epic of family love which formulates the heart of the novel. Moreover, the relationships between the characters crystallize the most admirable qualities of truth and honour. This creates a sense of magic in our glimpse of human nature. Fall on Your Knees is really a story about secrets and family and hidden truths that cannot be suppressed. Secrets imbue and underlie this epic of the story. The secrets are a powerful metaphorical symbol carried throughout the adventures of the story. The notion is that something is buried, but no matter how deep it is, it will eventually come up and break the surface. Moreover, this novel is a masterpiece, which establishes one of the most highlighted elements throughout the story- mystery. In one of MacDonald’s interviews with Oprah1, she says, “For me, it was like there was this reader, this benevolent stranger, whose face I couldn't quite see.” (Winfrey, Interview with the Author) Even though MacDonald did not experience various events depicted throughout the novel, it was as if there was a voice, an urge to carry on this imagination. She says, “…I feel that part of my function as a writer is to let the reader know that we're actually going to go to spooky, disturbing places or some places that might morally challenge some people.” (Winfrey, Interview with the Author) Cape Breton was for MacDonald a place of adventure and the one spot on Earth where there was an anchor. This anchor establishes the parameters of various events and perhaps inevitably forms the plot and the setting in the novel. There is absolutely no resisting the novel!

Special Attention should be paid to such a stunning fiction debut. Fall on Your Knees was the “winner of the 1997 Commonwealth Writers Prize2 for Best Book, it was a national bestseller in Canada for two years....” (Pond, 2001) Additionally, it was also the “winner of the 1997 CAA Harlequin Literary Award3 for fiction; winner of 1997 Dartmouth Book Award4.” (New Face of Fiction, 2006) These many awards helped the novel gain recognition. This novel deserves attention due to the fact that the writer creates and simmers words with vivid artistic description. As well, awareness and knowledge is gained from the rich description and the vibrant and effervescent language conveyed throughout the novel. The story itself is riveting and the writing will take your breath away!

Ann Marie MacDonald is one of Canada's most highly profiled artists. She gained recognition in her first career as an actor: “She was nominated for a Genie Award5 in 1988 for her supporting role in the Canadian film I’ve Heard the Mermaids Singing...” (Pond, 2001) where MacDonald was already well known to Canadians from her work as a playwright and an actress, she states, “I have never wanted to be only an actor or only a writer,” she has said, “The two have always been dual aspirations.” (Scott, Literary Encyclopedia) Thus, her works are admired by many and critically acclaimed. Her famous play Goodnight Desdemona won the “Governor General Award for Drama6, the Chalmers Award for Outstanding Play7 and the Canadian Author's Association Award for Drama8.” (MacDonald, Theater Encyclopedia) Her success in getting involved in creating original Canadian work in number of contexts is well recognized. For instance, this novel is a masterpiece of collaboration of creativity and vast imagination, which combined with theatrical innovations, makes her a highly eclectic artist.


1Second Canadian novel featured by Oprah Winfrey
2Awarded to outstanding literary talent existing in many parts of the Commonwealth is making a significant contribution to contemporary writing in English. Objectives of the prize include promoting new voices, reward achievements, encourage wider readership and greater literacy.
3Recognizing the best in Canadian literary talent
4Prize honours the best Canadian literature featuring Nova Scotia and its people and recognition in the valuable contributions to the cultural heritage.
5Recognize and celebrate Canada's cinematic achievements.
6Canada's most prestigious award. Six prizes are awarded annually to distinguished career achievements in fine arts and drama.
7For creativity and excellence in the arts who made outstanding contributions to the arts.
8Honouring Canadian writers of various genres whose work has achieved excellence

Process Work: Apologia & Explication

Apologia:

I Introduction
A. uniqueness portrayed in themes
i. Love
ii. Betrayal
iii. Faith
iv. Suffering
B. Cape Breton
i. Landscape
ii. Importance
iii. Historic significance
C. Metaphorical symbols
i. Relation to characters
ii. Secrets

II Significance of novel
A. Awards
i. Commonwealth Writers Prize
ii. CAA Harlequin Literary Award
iii. Dartmouth Book Award
B. Success
i. Oprah

III. Significance of Author
A. Awards
i. Genie Award
ii. Governor General Award for Drama
iii. Chalmers Award for Outstanding Play
iv. Canadian Author's Association Award for Drama
B. Other Contributions
i. Playwright
ii. Actor

Explication:

• Falling prey to cruelty/misfortune
  an Unfortunate; a Master or a Misfortune

Greetings

Hello, and welcome to this blog! Through the Independent Study, it will help fellow students and myself to learn more in profundity the significance of Ann-Marie MacDonald. Additionally, by doing this piece of work, it will hopefully help the grade 12s build array of writing skills that will be evaluated in this projectby enhancing and developing critical writing skills that are vital to learn at the post secondary level. The ISP will consist of four parts. The first element will be an Apologia. This will explain the significance and the importance of the author; which in my case will be Ann Marie MacDonald. Questions such as why should awareness be brought to others by this novel and novelist shall be discussed. Furthermore, the second element present in this ISP will be an explication of one of Polti’s Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations as a base. This will be further elaborated and developed by quotations from the selected novel and extensive research that is done before hand. A “Works Cited Page” will accompany all the references used in the Apologia and in the Explication in accordance with the MLA format. Lastly, to accompany this ISP will be a “Personal Reflection” which will explain how the ISP helped develop me academically and intellectually. In addition to these elements, there will be journals, which are posted below and a links list that have certain useful websites when researched about the author. I am very looking forward to work toward these elements to help me build the necessary skills needed for the future.

Fall on Your Knees by Anne Marie MacDonald - Journal #1

          This compelling novel reveals many sides to the theme love.  Love is very dominant and powerful throughout the novel. In the beginning, we are introduced to James Piper who falls in love with Materia Mahmoud. This is shown when, “She ran right into his arms and he swung her around like a little kid, laughing, and then they hugged,” (13). Their childish love for each other rouses and eventually they elope and move away. This romantic love that is created between a 13-year-old teenager and 18-year-old adult grows. Nonetheless, forbidden love is also present. Mr. and Mrs. Mahmoud did not approve of Materia’s relationship with James. “Materia was forbidden to have anything to do with the piano tuner,” (14).   Mr. Mahmoud describes this situation as, “ It was that he had come like a thief in the night and stolen another man’s property,” (17). Thus, Materia was forbidden to see her family and disowned her love towards them. This is illustrated when, “…Mrs. Mahmoud burned, snipped and bundled off her daughter’s memory,” (16). 

Conversely, at the center of this epic story is the nature of family love. This is very strong and dominant. Firstly, James creates a special bond with his first daughter Kathleen.  He loved her more than his wife. This is demonstrated when, “They went on long walks hand in hand…” (38). He gave up his studies and a lot his time in order to spend as much time with his daughter. For instance, “He hadn’t much time for his own reading…James taught his daughter to read words soon after she learned to read music,” (40). He was very protective and caring for Kathleen. However, in certain circumstances he went over the line. The closeness of their relationship lead to tragic results – incest. This is exemplified through his emotions and actions; “A life and warmth enter his body that he hasn’t felt…She will be safe with him, I’ll keep you safe, my darling, oh how he loves this girl…” (61). His love for her lead to sexual desires. This is revealed through James when, “he shocked himself. He lets her go and draws abruptly so she will not notice what has happened to him,” (61). Furthermore, this family love is stretched between the Piper sisters. They’re love for each other is beyond measures and words. After the deaths of Kathleen and Materia, Mercedes, the next oldest sister, takes on as a ‘mother figure’ to her younger sisters and her father. “Mercedes assumes the responsibility for the soul of Lily Piper,” (171). In addition, even through tough obstacles Mercedes makes sure no one is hurt. In some extreme situations Mercedes sacrifices her respect towards her father in order to help her sisters. This represents the miraculous, unstoppable love she has towards her sisters. This is because, “Daddy does not permit trash in the house and Mercedes is constantly hiding Frances contraband under her pillow” (197). Hence, sometimes violence takes on a form of love. For instance, when James abused Frances and she left home he went after to look for her. “I have to find Frances now…” (369). This is some of many incidents where violence and torture turn into love. Mercedes also shows extreme passion and love through her worriedness. This is exemplified when she says, “She will disappear. She will die and I’ll have no one to love and look after,” (437). As a result, love weaves in different patterns throughout the novel. It’s very important and vital in terms of devolving character to get a insightful view on each perspective on the characters. On the inexorable journey the characters take, we encounter dark yet vivid images of neglect and violence, yet the novel radiates and shimmers love throughout the novel.   

Journal #2

          Another feature that makes the novel so compelling is the array of unforgettable characters portrayed throughout the novel. However, there is one character that sticks to the reader to the end. There is something very mythical and enchanting about MacDonald’s portrayal of Lily. In fact, Lily Piper forms the heart of the novel. Lily, being the youngest of the Piper sisters, is a mystery to the others and to the reader. Lily is loved by her whole family. For instance, James states, “That only makes her more precious to me” (188). She is the delicate rose to her father, and becomes Daddy’s favourite after Kathleen dies. An example of James’s affection towards Lily is when “James struck Lily’s sweet head and she caressed Daddy’s hand with her cheek” (188). Moreover, Lily’s innocence, love, and genuineness towards others draws the reader closer to her. For instance, when Frances was predicting her own death Lily states, “Frances, I don’t want you to be an alcoholic, I don’t want to lose you” (184). She is very concerned about others and takes things very emotionally. As well, Lily also brings humour into the reading. This makes the novel so much more interesting and fun to read. Lily takes everything very seriously, even when Frances tells her the most ridiculous things. This is revealed when Frances makes up a story to tell how an orange cat kills Lily’s other twin. “…It put its mouth over Ambrose’s face and sucked the breath out of him. He turned blue and died” (205). Lily was shocked and couldn’t believe yet. “Lily doesn’t move a muscle” (205). Frances’ manipulative skills persuade Lily into believing here flawed stories. In addition, Lily has a supernatural “gift” where individuals think she’s a saint. “Mercedes loves me because I’m special to God” (377). She can predict things in the future and has telepathy, where she can read other people’s minds. This is proven when Lily tells Mercedes what is happening to Frances, and thus locates where she is. “She has a beat up face, but the man didn’t do it,” (278) or when she says, “Ambrose says not to worry. It’s not a bad man she’s with” (377). Furthermore, Lily brings inspiration to others and even to the reader. Lily is crippled, but that doesn’t stop her from watching over her family and being constantly active. She states, “her bad leg is special because it’s so strong” (377). This optimism is another bright quality that’s always present in Lily. As a result, Lily is very special because her destiny remains a mystery throughout the novel. The reader is immediately attracted and drawn to such a rich deep character that forms the heart of the novel.

 

Journal #3

The one aspect of the novel, which touched me greatly in an absurd way, was how the novel revealed the rich inner secrets, lies and unspoken knowledge of various events. By MacDonald keeping these mysteries hidden and slowly revealing them, it created suspicion and shock in the reader’s mind. The first event, which illustrated this, was when Kathleen goes through childbirth. Materia “takes a pair of scissors – old kitchen scissors freshly sharp and sterilized to cut the cord – and plunges the pointier blade into Kathleen’s abdomen just above the topography of buried head” (135). This is what established many troubling mysteries because through the birth, Lily was born. Lily is the youngest daughter where the mystery surrounding her birth brings into questions whether or not she is one of the Piper sisters or not. Personally, I was under the impression that Kathleen’s pregnancy resulted due to her affair with a black stranger. This is exemplified when,  “Her daughter’s hands traveling over a black back, disappearing beneath the waistband of a pair of striped trousers moving between his daughter’s bare thighs…” (549). However, in the last few chapters of the novel, the reader is exposed to what really did happen. “He takes her in his arms. She is naked with shame, just wants some clothes, please –” (549). Horrified, disgusted, shocked, revolted, are some of many adjectives that run through the reader’s mind when they are revealed to this shocking news. It was incest. James had and affair with his own daughter, made her pregnant and was his fault she died. “Piper killed his daughter by not calling the doctor…” (355). This also reveals the true inner qualities of the character. In the beginning we were introduced to a friendly, caring, loving, hardworking father, to an abusive, violent, sick father. James abusiveness is further developed when he practices his molestation against Frances. For instance, “Daddy kissing the top of her head with a long knife in his hand…” (369). Furthermore, the catastrophe prevails and is further advanced due to the sins and secrets of the father. Frances is sexually abused, beaten and berated by her father. This is exemplified when, “There’s blood crusting her nose and  filling the gully that meets her upper lip” (366). This is very deep and appalling to see to whole family fall apart due to James offenses and uncalled behaviour. The reader sympathizes with the innocent Piper sisters along with their anger towards James.

Additionally, another occasion that unlocks the secrets of the many ambiguities is through Kathleen’s relationship with many individuals. Out of the numerous affairs and thoughts she had about people, Rose was the one that astonished me the most, particularly because she was a female. Kathleen had a lot of feelings for her along with sexual desires. This was very creepy and abnormal to me as it is stated when Kathleen, “did something crazy – I kissed her on the lips…” (523). This would be the last thought that would ever arise into a reader’s mind about Kathleen. This is mainly because Kathleen was at first portrayed as a sweet ambitious individual. It was quite a surprise to receive such peculiar information about Kathleen. Lastly, another incident, which alarmed me, was when Frances got shot. This was very unexpected. “Teresa swung the rifle through a hundred and eighty degrees, caught it with her shoulder, armed and fired (401). Poor Frances was pregnant and as a result, the infant died. However, despite all the disturbances and the conflicts that have arisen, MacDonald wraps up the loose ends and gives the reader a complete feeling of satisfaction, even though at times you are still struck with the unanticipated knowledge that was provided.    

Journal #4

      Macdonald establishes another vital element that is present throughout the novel. Isolation is another important variable that sets a second major theme. The reader gets the first glimpse of this through the eyes of Materia. Materia seducing James resulted in separation from her family. “She was dead to them all from that day forth” (18). She was disowned and rejected by her family due to her betrayal. This separation is further revealed by Mrs. Mahmoud when she, “…watched her husband eat and thought of her lost daughter,” (51). Although Mrs. Mahmoud knew her daughter was gone forever, she missed her. Additionally, not only was Materia isolated from her family, but also she was isolated towards her first daughter. Materia questions, “How could it be that she loved other women’s children and not her own?” (55) She made many attempts to love her child but she was unsuccessful. For instance, she prayed earnestly and begged to love her child. “Please dear Mary, Mother of God, make me love my baby” (34). Moreover, James starts questioning his relationship with Materia. He states, “…the staring zombie he married. Why had he married her?” (34) James’ questions further develop a barrier between them. Another incident, which provokes this division between them, is when he stops sleeping with her and thus spends less time with her. “He began sleeping on a cot by the kitchen stove…” (24). Moreover he was reluctant when Materia came near him. This is proven when, “…her husband wouldn’t come near her. Got angry if she touched him” (34). James was very angry with Frances as well. Hence, this affected their father daughter relationship. We know this through Mercedes perception when she ponders “Daddy’s love for Lily and his anger at Frances” (189).  As a result, Frances’ behaviour leads to mischievousness and acting out to disguise her love and fear that she will not be loved by her family. “What kind of man disowns his daughter? Frances is a diamond passed from filthy paw to paw but never diminished” (335). Frances’ bad behaviour generates isolation from her family and especially from her father. Lastly, Macdonald also illustrates isolation with other minor characters in the novel. For instance, Teresa, Mr. Mahmouds housekeeper, was secluded from the world partially because of her attachment with Mahmoud. She realizes the situation when Mahmoud accused of her stealing. Teresa says, “ She had forgotten the sweet joys of society…” (349). Therefore, Anne Marie MacDonald introduces many situations where various characters are isolated from one another. These revelations point out many secrets that lie among them.