In her essay “Exploring the Depths of This Side Jordan,” Canadian author Margaret Laurence delves into the themes and symbolism present in her novel of the same name. Through a close literary analysis, Laurence unpacks the complex relationships between the characters, the significance of the setting, and the overarching themes of identity and belonging. This essay offers a deeper understanding of Laurence’s work and the literary techniques she employs to convey her message.
Background Information
Margaret Laurence was a Canadian novelist and short story writer, born in Neepawa, Manitoba in 1926. She is best known for her novels set in Africa, including The Stone Angel and A Jest of God, which won the Governor General’s Award for fiction in 1966. Laurence was also a social activist and feminist, and her writing often explored themes of identity, belonging, and the struggle for justice. In her later years, she became an advocate for environmental causes and was awarded the Order of Canada in 1972. This Side Jordan, published in 1960, is one of Laurence’s lesser-known works, but it remains a powerful exploration of the human experience and the search for meaning in a complex world.
Themes in This Side Jordan
This Side Jordan by Margaret Laurence is a novel that explores various themes that are relevant to the human experience. One of the most prominent themes in the novel is the struggle for identity. The protagonist, Rachel, is a young woman who is trying to find her place in the world. She is torn between her desire to conform to the expectations of her community and her longing for something more.
Another important theme in the novel is the tension between tradition and modernity. Rachel’s community is deeply rooted in tradition, and she is expected to follow the customs and beliefs of her ancestors. However, Rachel is also exposed to modern ideas and ways of life, which challenge her traditional upbringing.
The theme of gender roles is also explored in This Side Jordan. Rachel is expected to conform to traditional gender roles, which limit her opportunities and restrict her freedom. She is expected to marry and have children, but she longs for a life that is more fulfilling and meaningful.
Finally, the theme of social injustice is also present in the novel. Rachel’s community is divided by class and wealth, and those who are less fortunate are often marginalized and oppressed. Rachel is acutely aware of these injustices, and she struggles to reconcile her desire for a better life with her loyalty to her community.
Overall, This Side Jordan is a rich and complex novel that explores a wide range of themes that are relevant to the human experience. Through the character of Rachel, Margaret Laurence offers a powerful commentary on the struggle for identity, the tension between tradition and modernity, gender roles, and social injustice.
Character Analysis
One of the most intriguing characters in Margaret Laurence’s novel This Side Jordan is the protagonist, Rachel Cameron. Rachel is a complex character who struggles with her identity and her place in the world. She is a single woman in her thirties who lives with her mother and works as a librarian in a small town in Manitoba. Rachel is a deeply introspective person who is constantly questioning her own thoughts and feelings. She is also a very private person who keeps her emotions tightly controlled. Despite her reserved nature, Rachel is a deeply empathetic person who is always trying to understand the people around her. Throughout the novel, Rachel’s character undergoes a significant transformation as she confronts her past and learns to accept herself for who she is. Laurence’s portrayal of Rachel is both nuanced and sympathetic, making her a compelling and relatable character for readers.
Symbolism in This Side Jordan
Symbolism plays a significant role in Margaret Laurence’s novel, This Side Jordan. The author uses various symbols to convey deeper meanings and themes throughout the story. One of the most prominent symbols in the novel is the Jordan River, which represents the divide between the past and the present. The river serves as a metaphor for the characters’ struggles to reconcile their past with their present lives. Another symbol in the novel is the tree, which represents growth and renewal. The tree serves as a symbol of hope and resilience, as the characters face various challenges and obstacles. Overall, the use of symbolism in This Side Jordan adds depth and complexity to the story, allowing readers to explore the themes and messages in a more profound way.
Setting Analysis
The setting of Margaret Laurence’s novel, This Side Jordan, plays a crucial role in the development of the story and its characters. The novel is set in the fictional town of Manawaka, which is based on Laurence’s hometown of Neepawa, Manitoba. The town is described as being isolated and stagnant, with a sense of hopelessness and despair permeating the community. The harsh prairie landscape is also a significant aspect of the setting, with its unforgiving climate and barren terrain reflecting the struggles and hardships faced by the characters. The town’s social hierarchy, with its rigid class distinctions and prejudices, further adds to the oppressive atmosphere. Through her vivid descriptions of the setting, Laurence effectively conveys the sense of confinement and limitation that the characters experience, highlighting the theme of the individual’s struggle against societal constraints.
Language and Style
Margaret Laurence’s writing style in This Side Jordan is characterized by its poetic language and vivid imagery. She uses metaphors and similes to create a sense of depth and complexity in her characters and their experiences. For example, when describing the character of Hagar Shipley, Laurence writes, “She was like a tree, rooted in the earth, but reaching for the sky.” This comparison not only gives the reader a visual image of Hagar, but also suggests her strength and resilience. Laurence’s use of language and style adds to the emotional impact of the novel, making it a powerful exploration of the human experience.
Comparison with Other Works by Margaret Laurence
In comparison to Margaret Laurence’s other works, This Side Jordan stands out as a unique exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the search for identity. While her earlier novels, such as The Stone Angel and A Jest of God, also delve into these themes, This Side Jordan takes a more nuanced approach, examining the ways in which societal expectations and personal experiences shape individuals’ sense of self. Additionally, Laurence’s use of multiple narrators and shifting perspectives adds a layer of depth to the novel, allowing readers to see the story from various angles and understand the characters’ motivations more fully. Overall, This Side Jordan showcases Laurence’s skill as a writer and her ability to capture the intricacies of human emotion and experience.
Historical Context
Margaret Laurence’s novel, This Side Jordan, was published in 1960, a time of great social and political change in Canada. The country was experiencing a period of rapid modernization and urbanization, with many Canadians moving from rural areas to cities in search of work and better opportunities. At the same time, the civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States, and many Canadians were beginning to question their own country’s treatment of marginalized groups, including Indigenous peoples and immigrants. Against this backdrop of social change, Laurence’s novel explores themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. Through her vivid descriptions of the landscape and her nuanced portrayal of her characters’ inner lives, Laurence invites readers to reflect on their own place in the world and the forces that shape their lives.
Cultural Context
Margaret Laurence’s novel, “This Side Jordan,” is deeply rooted in the cultural context of its setting in Ghana. The novel explores the complexities of post-colonial Ghanaian society, including the tensions between traditional beliefs and modernization, the impact of colonialism on the country’s social and political structures, and the struggle for independence and self-determination. Laurence’s portrayal of Ghanaian culture is both nuanced and respectful, highlighting the richness and diversity of the country’s traditions while also acknowledging the challenges and contradictions that arise in the face of rapid social change. Through her vivid descriptions of Ghanaian landscapes, customs, and language, Laurence invites readers to immerse themselves in the cultural context of the novel and gain a deeper understanding of the complex forces shaping Ghanaian society in the mid-twentieth century.
Gender Roles and Expectations
In her novel, “This Side Jordan,” Margaret Laurence explores the gender roles and expectations that exist within the patriarchal society of the fictional town of Manawaka. The novel depicts the struggles of women who are expected to conform to traditional gender roles and are often denied agency and autonomy. The male characters in the novel are portrayed as dominant and authoritative, while the female characters are expected to be submissive and obedient. This gendered division of labor and power is reinforced by societal norms and expectations, which limit the opportunities available to women and perpetuate gender inequality. Through her portrayal of these gender roles and expectations, Laurence highlights the need for social change and the importance of challenging patriarchal structures that limit women’s potential.
Religious Themes
In her novel, “This Side Jordan,” Margaret Laurence explores various religious themes that are prevalent in the lives of her characters. The novel is set in a small town in Canada, where the inhabitants are deeply rooted in their religious beliefs. Laurence delves into the complexities of faith, exploring the ways in which it can both unite and divide people. She also examines the role of religion in shaping individual identity and the impact it can have on one’s sense of self. Through her characters, Laurence offers a nuanced portrayal of the ways in which religion can shape our lives and the lives of those around us.
Political Commentary
Margaret Laurence’s novel, This Side Jordan, is a powerful commentary on the political and social issues of its time. Set in the fictional town of Manawaka, the novel explores the lives of its inhabitants and the struggles they face in a rapidly changing world. Through her vivid descriptions and insightful observations, Laurence offers a nuanced perspective on the complex issues of race, class, and gender that continue to shape our society today. As we delve deeper into the world of This Side Jordan, we are forced to confront our own biases and assumptions, and to question the systems of power that govern our lives. In a time of political upheaval and social unrest, Laurence’s novel remains a timely and important work of political commentary.
Impact of This Side Jordan on Canadian Literature
This Side Jordan, a novel by Canadian author Margaret Laurence, has had a significant impact on Canadian literature. The novel, which was published in 1960, explores the lives of a group of people living in a small town in Manitoba. Through her vivid descriptions and complex characters, Laurence delves into themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in life.
This Side Jordan is often cited as one of the first Canadian novels to explore the experiences of rural Canadians. Prior to its publication, Canadian literature was largely focused on urban settings and characters. Laurence’s novel helped to expand the scope of Canadian literature and paved the way for other writers to explore the lives of people living in small towns and rural areas.
In addition to its impact on Canadian literature, This Side Jordan has also been praised for its feminist themes. The novel features strong female characters who are struggling to find their place in a male-dominated society. Laurence’s portrayal of these women was groundbreaking at the time and helped to pave the way for other feminist writers in Canada.
Overall, This Side Jordan is a powerful and influential novel that has had a lasting impact on Canadian literature. Its exploration of rural life and feminist themes continue to resonate with readers today, making it a timeless classic of Canadian literature.
Reception of This Side Jordan
The reception of Margaret Laurence’s This Side Jordan has been mixed since its publication in 1960. Some critics praised the novel for its vivid portrayal of life in a small Canadian town and its exploration of themes such as identity, family, and community. Others, however, criticized the book for its slow pace and lack of plot. Despite these mixed reviews, This Side Jordan remains an important work in Canadian literature and a testament to Laurence’s skill as a writer.
Analysis of the Title
The title of Margaret Laurence’s novel, “This Side Jordan,” is a reference to the biblical story of Moses leading the Israelites to the Promised Land. In the story, Jordan represents the boundary between the wilderness and the land of Canaan, which is often seen as a symbol of hope and salvation. By using this title, Laurence suggests that her novel is also about a journey towards a better future, but one that is fraught with challenges and obstacles. The phrase “this side” also implies a sense of division or separation, which could be interpreted as a commentary on the racial and cultural divides that exist in the novel’s setting of Africa. Overall, the title sets the tone for a complex and thought-provoking exploration of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in a world that is often harsh and unforgiving.
Use of Imagery
Margaret Laurence’s use of imagery in This Side Jordan is a key element in the novel’s success. Throughout the book, Laurence employs vivid and evocative descriptions to bring the setting and characters to life. From the dusty streets of Manawaka to the lush forests of the surrounding countryside, Laurence’s imagery creates a rich and immersive world that readers can easily imagine themselves in. Additionally, her use of metaphor and symbolism adds depth and complexity to the story, allowing readers to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in a way that is both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. Overall, Laurence’s skillful use of imagery is a testament to her talent as a writer and her ability to create a truly unforgettable reading experience.
Use of Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is a literary technique that authors use to hint at events that will occur later in the story. Margaret Laurence masterfully employs this technique in her novel, This Side Jordan. From the very beginning of the novel, Laurence drops subtle hints about the tragic events that will unfold. For example, the opening sentence of the novel reads, “The day of the funeral was a day of rain.” This sets the tone for the novel and foreshadows the sadness and loss that will be a recurring theme throughout the story. As the novel progresses, Laurence continues to use foreshadowing to build tension and create a sense of foreboding. By the time the tragic events occur, the reader is not entirely surprised, but rather, has been prepared for them through the use of foreshadowing. Overall, Laurence’s use of foreshadowing adds depth and complexity to the novel, making it a truly masterful work of literature.
Exploration of Love and Relationships
In her novel, “This Side Jordan,” Margaret Laurence delves into the complexities of love and relationships. The story follows the lives of two sisters, Hagar and Lydia, as they navigate their way through the ups and downs of love and marriage. Hagar, the protagonist, is a strong-willed and independent woman who struggles to find love and acceptance in a world that often sees her as a burden. Lydia, on the other hand, is more traditional and conforms to societal expectations of marriage and motherhood.
Throughout the novel, Laurence explores the different types of love and relationships that exist. She shows us the love between siblings, the love between spouses, and the love between parents and children. She also examines the darker side of love, such as jealousy, possessiveness, and obsession.
One of the most interesting aspects of the novel is the way Laurence portrays the power dynamics in relationships. Hagar, for example, is often at the mercy of the men in her life, who hold the power and control over her. She is forced to conform to their expectations and desires, even if it means sacrificing her own happiness. Lydia, on the other hand, is able to maintain a certain level of power and control in her marriage, which allows her to maintain her sense of self and independence.
Overall, Laurence’s exploration of love and relationships in “This Side Jordan” is both nuanced and thought-provoking. She shows us that love is not always easy or straightforward, and that it can be both beautiful and painful at the same time. Through her characters, she encourages us to question our own assumptions about love and relationships, and to consider the many different forms that love can take.
Analysis of the Ending
The ending of This Side Jordan is a poignant and powerful conclusion to the novel. Laurence masterfully ties together the various threads of the story, leaving readers with a sense of closure and resolution. One of the most striking aspects of the ending is the way in which Laurence portrays the characters’ growth and development. Throughout the novel, we see the characters struggle with their identities and their place in the world. But in the end, they come to a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships with others. This is particularly evident in the character of Hagar Shipley, who undergoes a profound transformation over the course of the novel. By the end, she has come to accept her own mortality and to appreciate the love and support of those around her. Overall, the ending of This Side Jordan is a testament to Laurence’s skill as a writer and her ability to create complex, nuanced characters who resonate with readers long after the final page has been turned.