The novel “The Shipping News” by Annie Proulx tells about a man named Quoyle who works for a third-rate newspaper in the state of New York. Formed by his unhappy childhood he tries to find his place in a cruel world and marries a nymphomaniac who dies in a car accident. Quoyle’s aunt appears and persuades him to take his two daughters and leave for Newfoundland, the place his ancestors came from. There Quoyle starts to deal with his fears and takes charge of his life.
Quoyle is a complex character with a couple of interesting peculiarities. He unites a lot of different fears inside of him. It is worth to take more than a quick look at those fears.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Quoyle
- Bunny
- The aunt
- Summary
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay explores the meaning of fear in Annie Proulx's novel "The Shipping News." The author examines how fear manifests itself in the main character, Quoyle, and other characters in the novel. The essay also discusses the origins of these fears, how characters attempt to cope with them, and whether confronting one's fears is ultimately beneficial.
- The role of fear in shaping character development
- The impact of childhood experiences on adult fears
- The different ways characters cope with fear
- The potential for confronting fear to lead to personal growth
Chapter Summaries
The essay begins by introducing Quoyle, a complex and troubled character struggling to find his place in the world. His childhood experiences, particularly his relationship with his father and brother, have instilled deep-seated fears within him. The essay then explores how Quoyle's fears manifest in his inability to hold down a job, maintain a stable relationship, and effectively parent his children.
The essay analyzes Quoyle's specific fears, such as his fear of water stemming from a traumatic childhood incident. It examines how Quoyle's move to Newfoundland, a harsh and unforgiving environment, further challenges his existing fears. The essay also discusses Quoyle's fear of the big green house at Quoyle's Point, which serves as a reminder of his ancestors and a source of anxiety about his own potential for darkness.
The essay highlights Quoyle's unwavering love for his daughters and how this fear for their well-being drives him to protect them from harm. Several instances illustrate Quoyle's fierce protectiveness and the depths of his love.
Keywords
The essay explores themes of fear, trauma, identity, family, and personal growth. It focuses on the character of Quoyle and his journey to confront and overcome his fears. The essay analyzes Annie Proulx's portrayal of fear as a complex and multifaceted element of human experience, highlighting the ways in which it can both hinder and enable individual development.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Stephan Holm (Autor:in), 2000, The meaning of fear in Annie Proulx’ novel “The Shipping News”, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/6610
