Margaret Laurence’s “The Captivating Tale of This Side Jordan (1960)” is a short story that tells the story of a young girl named Jordan who is growing up in a small Canadian town during the 1930s. The story explores themes of family, identity, and the search for belonging, as Jordan struggles to find her place in the world and understand her own sense of self. In this summary, we will explore the key elements of Laurence’s story and the ways in which it speaks to universal human experiences.
Background Information
The novel This Side Jordan was written by Canadian author Margaret Laurence and was first published in 1960. The story is set in the fictional town of Manawaka, which is based on Laurence’s hometown of Neepawa, Manitoba. This Side Jordan is the second book in Laurence’s Manawaka series, which includes five novels in total. The series explores the lives of various characters in the town and their struggles with identity, relationships, and societal expectations. This Side Jordan follows the story of two brothers, Stacey and Chris MacAindra, and their complicated relationship with each other and their family. The novel is known for its vivid descriptions of the Canadian prairies and its exploration of themes such as family, love, and the search for identity.
Characters
The characters in Margaret Laurence’s novel, This Side Jordan, are complex and multi-dimensional. The story follows the lives of two brothers, Jules and Amos, as they navigate their way through the challenges of growing up in a small town in Canada. Jules is the older brother, and he is the more responsible and serious of the two. Amos, on the other hand, is more carefree and impulsive. Despite their differences, the brothers are very close and have a deep bond that is tested throughout the novel.
Other important characters in the story include Jules and Amos’ parents, who are struggling to make ends meet and keep their family together. There is also a cast of supporting characters, including friends, neighbors, and love interests, who add depth and complexity to the story.
One of the most interesting aspects of the characters in This Side Jordan is the way that they are shaped by their environment. The small town where they live is a tight-knit community, and everyone knows everyone else’s business. This can be both a blessing and a curse for the characters, as they struggle to find their place in the world and make sense of their own identities.
Overall, the characters in This Side Jordan are compelling and well-drawn, and they help to bring the story to life. Whether you are a fan of coming-of-age stories or simply enjoy well-crafted characters, this novel is definitely worth a read.
Plot Summary
The Captivating Tale of This Side Jordan (1960) by Margaret Laurence is a story that takes place in the fictional town of Manawaka, Canada. The novel follows the life of a young girl named Hagar Shipley, who is struggling to come to terms with her past and present. Hagar is a strong-willed and independent woman who has always been determined to live life on her own terms. However, as she grows older, she begins to realize that her choices have consequences, and she must face the consequences of her actions. The novel is a powerful exploration of the human condition, and it is a must-read for anyone who is interested in exploring the complexities of life.
Themes
The novel explores several themes that are relevant even today. One of the central themes is the struggle for identity and belonging. The protagonist, Jules, is torn between his African and European heritage and struggles to find his place in society. He is constantly reminded of his otherness and is forced to navigate the complexities of race and class in a divided society.
Another important theme is the power dynamics between men and women. The novel portrays the patriarchal society of Jordan, where women are expected to be subservient to men. However, the female characters in the novel challenge these norms and assert their agency in various ways.
The novel also touches upon the themes of love, loss, and redemption. Jules’ relationships with the women in his life are complex and often fraught with tension. His love for his mother and his wife, as well as his guilt over his past mistakes, drive the narrative forward.
Overall, The Captivating Tale of This Side Jordan is a powerful exploration of identity, gender, and love set against the backdrop of a changing society. Margaret Laurence’s masterful storytelling and vivid descriptions make this novel a must-read for anyone interested in African literature.
Symbolism
Symbolism plays a significant role in Margaret Laurence’s novel, This Side Jordan. The title itself is symbolic, referring to the biblical story of Moses leading the Israelites to the Promised Land. The novel is set in the fictional town of Manawaka, which represents small-town Canada. The characters in the novel are also symbolic, representing different aspects of Canadian society. For example, the protagonist, Rachel Cameron, represents the struggles of women in a patriarchal society. The river that runs through the town is also symbolic, representing the passage of time and the inevitability of change. Overall, symbolism adds depth and meaning to the novel, making it a captivating read.
Setting
The setting of Margaret Laurence’s novel, This Side Jordan, is a small town in rural Saskatchewan, Canada. The town is called Manawaka and is based on Laurence’s own hometown of Neepawa. The novel takes place in the 1950s and follows the lives of several families who live in the town. The setting is important to the story because it reflects the isolation and harshness of life on the prairies. The town is surrounded by vast fields of wheat and the weather is often extreme, with hot summers and bitterly cold winters. The landscape is also dotted with small, struggling farms and the people who live there are often poor and struggling to make ends meet. Despite the challenges, the people of Manawaka are resilient and determined to make a life for themselves in this harsh environment. The setting of This Side Jordan is a powerful backdrop for the story, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of the characters as they navigate their way through life in rural Canada.
Narrative Style
The narrative style of Margaret Laurence’s The Captivating Tale of This Side Jordan (1960) is one of the most striking aspects of the novel. Laurence’s writing is characterized by a lyrical, poetic quality that draws the reader in and immerses them in the world of the story. The novel is told from the perspective of a young girl named Hagar Shipley, and Laurence’s use of first-person narration allows the reader to experience the events of the story through Hagar’s eyes. This creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy that makes the novel all the more compelling. Laurence’s prose is also notable for its vivid descriptions of the landscape and the characters that inhabit it. She has a keen eye for detail and a gift for capturing the essence of a person or place in just a few well-chosen words. All of these elements combine to create a narrative style that is both beautiful and engaging, and that makes The Captivating Tale of This Side Jordan a true masterpiece of Canadian literature.
Conflict
The novel “This Side Jordan” by Margaret Laurence is a captivating tale of conflict. The story is set in the fictional town of Manawaka, where two families, the Jordans and the Pyes, are in constant conflict. The Jordan family is wealthy and powerful, while the Pyes are poor and struggling. The conflict between the two families is fueled by jealousy, greed, and a desire for power. The novel explores the themes of class, race, and gender, and how they intersect with the conflict between the two families. The characters in the novel are complex and well-developed, and the plot is full of twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. Overall, “This Side Jordan” is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the complexities of human relationships and the impact of conflict on individuals and communities.
Character Development
One of the most striking aspects of Margaret Laurence’s novel, This Side Jordan (1960), is the depth of character development throughout the story. From the protagonist, Rachel, to the supporting cast of characters, each individual is given a unique and complex personality that adds to the richness of the narrative.
Rachel, in particular, undergoes a significant transformation throughout the novel. At the beginning of the story, she is a young girl living in poverty with her family in the fictional town of Manawaka. As the story progresses, Rachel experiences a series of hardships and tragedies that force her to mature and confront the harsh realities of life. By the end of the novel, Rachel has become a strong and resilient woman who has learned to navigate the challenges of her world with grace and determination.
The supporting characters in This Side Jordan are equally well-developed. From Rachel’s troubled brother, Lewis, to her kind-hearted neighbor, Mrs. McLeod, each character has their own unique backstory and motivations. Laurence’s attention to detail in crafting these characters makes them feel like real people, with all the complexities and contradictions that come with being human.
Overall, the character development in This Side Jordan is a testament to Laurence’s skill as a writer. By creating such rich and nuanced characters, she is able to draw readers into the world of Manawaka and make them care deeply about the fates of its inhabitants.
Motifs
One of the most prominent motifs in Margaret Laurence’s This Side Jordan is the theme of identity. The novel explores the idea of how one’s identity is shaped by their surroundings and experiences. The characters in the novel struggle with their sense of self and their place in the world. Another recurring motif is the theme of family and community. The novel portrays the importance of family and the impact that community has on individuals. The characters in the novel rely on their families and communities for support and guidance. Overall, the motifs in This Side Jordan add depth and complexity to the novel, making it a captivating read.
Irony
Irony is a literary device that is often used to create a sense of humor or to convey a deeper meaning. In Margaret Laurence’s novel, “This Side Jordan,” irony is used to highlight the stark contrast between the lives of the wealthy and the poor. The novel is set in a small town in Canada, where the wealthy live in luxurious homes and the poor struggle to make ends meet. The irony lies in the fact that the wealthy are often unhappy and unfulfilled, while the poor find joy in the simple things in life. This contrast is further emphasized by the fact that the wealthy are often portrayed as selfish and greedy, while the poor are depicted as kind and generous. Through the use of irony, Laurence is able to comment on the social and economic inequalities that exist in society, and to show that true happiness cannot be bought with money.
Imagery
Margaret Laurence’s novel, This Side Jordan (1960), is a vivid portrayal of life in a small Canadian town during the early 20th century. The author’s use of imagery is particularly striking, as she paints a picture of the town and its inhabitants with great detail and nuance. From the dusty streets to the lush countryside, Laurence’s descriptions transport the reader to another time and place. The characters themselves are also brought to life through her use of imagery, with their physical appearances and mannerisms vividly depicted. Overall, the imagery in This Side Jordan adds depth and richness to the novel, making it a truly captivating read.
Point of View
The point of view in Margaret Laurence’s The Captivating Tale of This Side Jordan (1960) is primarily third-person omniscient. This means that the narrator has access to the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters, allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the story’s events. However, there are also moments where the point of view shifts to first-person, as characters share their personal experiences and perspectives. This adds depth and complexity to the narrative, as readers are able to see the story from multiple angles. Overall, the point of view in This Side Jordan enhances the novel’s themes of community, identity, and belonging.
Cultural Context
The cultural context of Margaret Laurence’s novel, This Side Jordan, is essential to understanding the story’s themes and characters. Set in the 1950s in the fictional town of Manawaka, Canada, the novel explores the lives of two families, the Jordans and the Struthers, who are divided by class and race. The novel’s title is a reference to the biblical story of Moses leading the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land, highlighting the themes of migration and displacement that are central to the novel. Additionally, the novel explores the impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities, as well as the role of women in society. By examining the cultural context of This Side Jordan, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the novel’s themes and the social issues that Laurence was addressing in her work.
Historical Context
The historical context of Margaret Laurence’s novel, This Side Jordan, is crucial to understanding the themes and characters within the story. The novel was published in 1960, a time of great social and political change in Canada. The country was experiencing a post-war economic boom, but also grappling with issues of racism and discrimination against Indigenous peoples and other marginalized groups. This Side Jordan takes place in the fictional town of Manawaka, which is based on Laurence’s own experiences growing up in rural Manitoba. The novel explores the lives of several characters, including the struggling farmer Jules Tonnerre and his wife, the ambitious schoolteacher Hagar Shipley. Through their stories, Laurence examines themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. The historical context of This Side Jordan provides a rich backdrop for Laurence’s exploration of these themes, and helps to situate the novel within the broader cultural and social landscape of mid-century Canada.
Reception and Criticism
The reception and criticism of Margaret Laurence’s novel, This Side Jordan, were mixed. While some praised the book for its vivid portrayal of life in a small Canadian town, others criticized it for its slow pace and lack of action. Some readers found the characters to be well-developed and relatable, while others felt that they were too one-dimensional. Despite these criticisms, This Side Jordan remains a beloved classic of Canadian literature, and its themes of family, community, and the struggle for identity continue to resonate with readers today.
Author’s Intentions
Margaret Laurence’s intention in writing “This Side Jordan” was to shed light on the struggles and hardships faced by African Americans during the Civil Rights Movement. Through the story of the Jordan family, Laurence portrays the discrimination and racism that was prevalent in the United States during the 1960s. She also highlights the importance of family, community, and resilience in the face of adversity. Laurence’s intention was to create a captivating tale that would not only entertain readers but also educate them about the realities of the time. By doing so, she hoped to inspire empathy and understanding towards those who were fighting for their rights and freedoms.
Writing Style
Margaret Laurence’s writing style in “The Captivating Tale of This Side Jordan” is characterized by her use of vivid imagery and descriptive language. She paints a detailed picture of the setting and the characters, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story. Laurence also employs a lyrical and poetic tone, which adds to the overall beauty of the narrative. Her use of symbolism and metaphor further enhances the depth and complexity of the story. Overall, Laurence’s writing style in “The Captivating Tale of This Side Jordan” is both captivating and thought-provoking.