Margaret Laurence’s novel, “The Tomorrow-Tamer,” is a classic piece of Canadian literature that has captivated readers for decades. The novel tells the story of a young woman named Sara who travels to Africa to teach in a remote village. However, as she becomes more involved in the community, she realizes that she must confront her own prejudices and assumptions about the people and culture she is living among. In this article, we will provide a critical analysis of “The Tomorrow-Tamer,” exploring its themes, characters, and literary techniques. We will also examine the novel’s relevance in today’s society and its place in the canon of Canadian literature.
Background and Context
Margaret Laurence’s novel, The Tomorrow-Tamer, was first published in 1963 and has since become a classic in Canadian literature. The novel is set in the fictional African country of Spanish Guiana and follows the story of a young Canadian woman, Sara, who travels to the country to work as a teacher. The novel explores themes of colonialism, racism, and gender inequality, and is often seen as a critique of Western imperialism in Africa.
Laurence herself spent several years living in Africa, and her experiences there undoubtedly influenced her writing. The Tomorrow-Tamer can be seen as a reflection of Laurence’s own observations and criticisms of the colonial system she witnessed in Africa. The novel also draws on Laurence’s own experiences as a woman living and working in a male-dominated society.
The Tomorrow-Tamer has been praised for its vivid descriptions of African landscapes and cultures, as well as its nuanced portrayal of complex social issues. However, it has also been criticized for perpetuating certain stereotypes and for its portrayal of African characters as passive and in need of Western intervention.
Overall, The Tomorrow-Tamer remains an important work in Canadian literature and a valuable contribution to discussions of colonialism, race, and gender.
Character Analysis
One of the most intriguing characters in Margaret Laurence’s classic novel, The Tomorrow-Tamer, is the protagonist, Sara. Sara is a complex character who undergoes significant growth and transformation throughout the novel. At the beginning of the story, Sara is a young woman who is struggling to find her place in the world. She is torn between her desire to be independent and her need for love and companionship. As the story progresses, Sara becomes more confident and self-assured, and she begins to take control of her life. She learns to stand up for herself and to fight for what she believes in, even in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges she faces, Sara remains determined and resilient, and she emerges as a strong and inspiring character. Through Sara’s journey, Laurence explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the power of the human spirit. Overall, Sara is a fascinating and complex character who embodies the spirit of the novel and leaves a lasting impression on readers.
Themes and Motifs
One of the prominent themes in Margaret Laurence’s novel, The Tomorrow-Tamer, is the struggle for identity and belonging. The protagonist, Sara, is torn between her African and European heritage, and her journey to reconcile these two identities is a central focus of the novel. Another recurring motif is the idea of the “taming” of the land and its people, as European settlers attempt to impose their culture and values on the African continent. This motif is explored through the character of Jan, who represents the colonial mindset and the destructive impact it has on the environment and the people who inhabit it. These themes and motifs are woven together to create a complex and thought-provoking narrative that challenges readers to consider the legacy of colonialism and the ongoing struggle for cultural identity and autonomy.
Symbolism and Imagery
Symbolism and Imagery play a significant role in Margaret Laurence’s classic novel, The Tomorrow-Tamer. The novel is filled with various symbols and images that help to convey the themes and messages of the story. One of the most prominent symbols in the novel is the river. The river represents the flow of life and the journey that the characters must undertake. It is a symbol of change and transformation, as the characters must navigate the river to reach their destination. Another important symbol in the novel is the snake. The snake represents the danger and unpredictability of the natural world. It is a symbol of the unknown and the fear that comes with it. The imagery in the novel is also significant, as it helps to create a vivid picture of the setting and the characters. The descriptions of the landscape and the people are rich and detailed, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the story. Overall, the symbolism and imagery in The Tomorrow-Tamer are essential elements that contribute to the novel’s depth and complexity.
Narrative Structure and Style
Margaret Laurence’s classic novel, The Tomorrow-Tamer, is a masterful example of narrative structure and style. The novel is divided into three parts, each with its own distinct tone and narrative arc. The first part introduces the reader to the protagonist, Sara, and her family, and sets the stage for the conflicts that will drive the rest of the story. The second part takes Sara away from her home and into the wider world, where she must confront new challenges and make difficult choices. Finally, the third part brings Sara back home, where she must face the consequences of her actions and find a way to reconcile with her past.
Laurence’s writing style is equally impressive. Her prose is clear and concise, yet rich with detail and emotion. She has a talent for creating vivid, memorable characters, and her descriptions of the natural world are particularly striking. Throughout the novel, Laurence uses symbolism and metaphor to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning.
Overall, The Tomorrow-Tamer is a beautifully crafted novel that showcases Laurence’s skill as a writer. Its narrative structure and style are both carefully crafted to draw the reader in and keep them engaged until the very end.
Historical and Societal Context
Margaret Laurence’s classic novel, The Tomorrow-Tamer, was published in 1963, during a time of significant social and political change in Canada. The country was in the midst of the Quiet Revolution, a period of intense cultural and political upheaval in Quebec, and the Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum in the United States. Against this backdrop, Laurence’s novel explores themes of colonialism, racism, and the struggle for self-determination. The novel’s protagonist, Sara, is a white woman who moves to Africa with her husband, a colonial administrator, and must confront her own complicity in the oppression of the African people. The Tomorrow-Tamer is a powerful critique of colonialism and a call for social justice, and it remains relevant today as we continue to grapple with issues of race, power, and privilege.
Gender and Feminism
In Margaret Laurence’s classic novel, The Tomorrow-Tamer, gender and feminism play a significant role in the story. The novel explores the struggles of women in a patriarchal society and the ways in which they navigate their roles and expectations. The protagonist, Sara, is a strong and independent woman who challenges the traditional gender roles of her time. She refuses to conform to the expectations placed upon her by society and instead chooses to pursue her own dreams and desires. Through Sara’s character, Laurence highlights the importance of feminism and the need for women to have agency and autonomy in their lives. The novel also addresses issues of gender inequality and the ways in which women are often marginalized and oppressed. Overall, The Tomorrow-Tamer is a powerful exploration of gender and feminism that continues to resonate with readers today.
Race and Colonialism
Race and colonialism are two intertwined themes that are central to Margaret Laurence’s classic novel, The Tomorrow-Tamer. Set in the fictional African country of Spanish Guiana, the novel explores the complex relationships between the white colonial rulers and the indigenous people they subjugate.
Laurence’s portrayal of the colonial system is nuanced and multifaceted. On the one hand, she depicts the white settlers as arrogant and exploitative, using their power to extract resources and labor from the native population. At the same time, however, she also shows how the colonizers are themselves trapped in a system that they cannot fully control. They are subject to the whims of distant governments and economic forces, and are often forced to make compromises that go against their own interests.
The novel also explores the ways in which race intersects with gender and class. The white women in the novel, for example, are often marginalized and oppressed by their male counterparts, even as they participate in the broader project of colonialism. Meanwhile, the indigenous women are doubly marginalized, both by their gender and their race.
Overall, The Tomorrow-Tamer offers a complex and nuanced portrayal of the colonial system and its effects on both the colonizers and the colonized. It is a powerful reminder of the ongoing legacy of colonialism and the need to continue grappling with its complex and often painful history.
Religion and Spirituality
Religion and spirituality play a significant role in Margaret Laurence’s classic novel, The Tomorrow-Tamer. The protagonist, Sara, is a missionary who travels to Africa to spread Christianity. However, as she becomes more immersed in the culture and traditions of the people she is trying to convert, she begins to question her own beliefs and the impact of Western religion on indigenous communities. Laurence’s portrayal of religion and spirituality is complex, highlighting the tension between tradition and modernity, and the power dynamics at play in the process of conversion. Through Sara’s journey, Laurence invites readers to reflect on the role of religion in shaping our understanding of the world and our place in it.
Language and Identity
Language and identity are closely intertwined in Margaret Laurence’s classic novel, The Tomorrow-Tamer. The protagonist, Jason Currie, is a white man who moves to Africa to work as a teacher. As he navigates the complexities of African culture and language, he begins to question his own identity and the role that language plays in shaping it.
Throughout the novel, Laurence explores the power dynamics inherent in language. Jason’s ability to speak English gives him a certain level of privilege and authority in his interactions with the African people he encounters. However, he also recognizes the limitations of his language skills and the ways in which they prevent him from fully understanding and connecting with the people around him.
At the same time, Jason’s experiences in Africa challenge his preconceived notions of identity. He grapples with questions of race, nationality, and belonging as he tries to find his place in a foreign land. Through his interactions with African people and his attempts to learn their languages, he begins to see himself and his own culture in a new light.
Overall, The Tomorrow-Tamer offers a nuanced exploration of the relationship between language and identity. Laurence’s portrayal of Jason’s experiences in Africa highlights the ways in which language can both empower and limit individuals, and how it can shape our understanding of ourselves and others.
Environmentalism and Ecocriticism
Environmentalism and ecocriticism are two important lenses through which to analyze Margaret Laurence’s classic novel, The Tomorrow-Tamer. The novel, set in the fictional African country of Spanish Guiana, explores themes of colonialism, cultural clash, and environmental degradation. Through the character of Sara, a Canadian teacher who comes to Spanish Guiana to teach the local children, Laurence highlights the destructive impact of colonialism on the environment and the indigenous people. Sara’s attempts to teach the children about the importance of preserving the natural world are met with resistance from the colonial authorities, who prioritize economic development over environmental protection.
Ecocriticism, a branch of literary criticism that focuses on the relationship between literature and the natural world, can help us understand the ways in which Laurence uses the natural environment as a metaphor for the human condition. The lush, tropical landscape of Spanish Guiana is both a source of beauty and a site of destruction, reflecting the complex relationship between humans and nature. Through her descriptions of the landscape, Laurence invites us to consider the ways in which our actions impact the natural world, and the consequences of our failure to protect it.
Environmentalism, on the other hand, is a political and social movement that seeks to protect the natural world from human exploitation and destruction. The Tomorrow-Tamer can be read as a critique of the destructive impact of colonialism on the environment and the indigenous people. Laurence’s portrayal of the colonial authorities as indifferent to the environmental destruction caused by their actions highlights the need for greater awareness and action on environmental issues.
In conclusion, environmentalism and ecocriticism are two important lenses through which to analyze Margaret Laurence’s The Tomorrow-Tamer. Through her portrayal of the natural environment and the impact of colonialism on it, Laurence invites us to consider the complex relationship between humans and nature, and the urgent need for environmental protection.
Family and Relationships
In Margaret Laurence’s classic novel, The Tomorrow-Tamer, family and relationships play a central role in the story. The protagonist, Sara, is a young woman who must navigate the complexities of her family dynamics while also forging her own path in life. Throughout the novel, Laurence explores the themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal within the context of family relationships.
One of the most prominent relationships in the novel is that between Sara and her father, John. John is a domineering figure who expects his daughter to conform to his expectations and values. However, Sara is a free spirit who longs to break free from her father’s control and pursue her own dreams. This tension between father and daughter is a recurring theme throughout the novel, and Laurence skillfully portrays the complex emotions that arise from this dynamic.
Another important relationship in the novel is that between Sara and her husband, Manford. Manford is a kind and gentle man who loves Sara deeply, but their marriage is not without its challenges. Sara struggles to reconcile her desire for independence with her love for Manford, and their relationship is further complicated by the arrival of a mysterious stranger who threatens to disrupt their lives.
Overall, family and relationships are integral to the plot and themes of The Tomorrow-Tamer. Laurence’s nuanced portrayal of these dynamics adds depth and complexity to the novel, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.
Politics and Power
Politics and Power play a significant role in Margaret Laurence’s classic novel, The Tomorrow-Tamer. The novel is set in the fictional African country of Spanish Guiana, which is undergoing a political revolution. The story follows the life of a young Canadian woman, Sara, who marries a local politician, Aden, and becomes embroiled in the political turmoil of the country.
Laurence uses the political landscape of Spanish Guiana to explore themes of power, corruption, and oppression. The novel portrays the struggle between the ruling elite and the oppressed masses, who are fighting for their rights and freedom. The political revolution in the novel is a metaphor for the larger struggle for independence and self-determination that was taking place in many African countries during the 1960s.
The novel also explores the role of women in politics and power. Sara, the protagonist, is a strong and independent woman who challenges the traditional gender roles of her time. She becomes involved in the political struggle of Spanish Guiana and uses her position as a politician’s wife to advocate for the rights of women and the oppressed.
Overall, The Tomorrow-Tamer is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that explores the complex relationship between politics and power. It highlights the struggle for freedom and self-determination in African countries during the 1960s and the role of women in politics and power. The novel remains relevant today, as many countries around the world continue to grapple with issues of corruption, oppression, and political revolution.
Education and Knowledge
Education and Knowledge play a significant role in Margaret Laurence’s classic novel, The Tomorrow-Tamer. The protagonist, Sara, is a young woman who is determined to pursue her education despite the societal norms that dictate women’s roles in her community. She is passionate about learning and believes that education is the key to unlocking her potential and achieving her dreams.
Throughout the novel, Sara faces numerous challenges as she strives to pursue her education. She is met with resistance from her family and community, who believe that women should focus on domestic duties rather than intellectual pursuits. Despite this, Sara remains steadfast in her determination to learn and grow.
Laurence’s portrayal of Sara’s journey highlights the importance of education and knowledge in empowering individuals to overcome societal barriers and achieve their goals. It also sheds light on the inequalities that exist in education systems, particularly for women and marginalized communities.
Overall, The Tomorrow-Tamer serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education and the importance of creating equitable and inclusive learning environments for all individuals.
Mental Health and Trauma
Mental health and trauma are prominent themes in Margaret Laurence’s classic novel, The Tomorrow-Tamer. The protagonist, Sara, experiences significant trauma throughout her life, including the loss of her parents and the emotional abuse she endures from her husband. These experiences have a profound impact on her mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and a sense of isolation.
Laurence’s portrayal of Sara’s struggles with mental health and trauma is both nuanced and empathetic. She highlights the ways in which trauma can shape a person’s worldview and behavior, while also acknowledging the complex interplay between individual experiences and broader societal factors.
At the same time, Laurence also offers a message of hope and resilience. Despite the challenges Sara faces, she is ultimately able to find a sense of purpose and meaning in her life. This message is particularly relevant in today’s world, where mental health and trauma are increasingly recognized as important issues that require greater attention and support.
Overall, The Tomorrow-Tamer offers a powerful exploration of mental health and trauma that is both timeless and timely. Through her vivid and compassionate storytelling, Laurence reminds us of the importance of empathy, understanding, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Love and Loss
In Margaret Laurence’s classic novel, The Tomorrow-Tamer, the theme of love and loss is explored through the character of Sara. As a young girl, Sara experiences the loss of her mother and is forced to navigate the complexities of her father’s remarriage. This loss shapes Sara’s understanding of love and relationships, as she struggles to connect with her stepmother and later, her own husband.
Throughout the novel, Sara grapples with the idea of love as both a source of comfort and pain. She finds solace in her relationship with her father, but also feels the weight of his expectations and the pressure to conform to societal norms. Similarly, her marriage to Manfred is marked by moments of tenderness and intimacy, but also by a sense of distance and unfulfilled desires.
Laurence’s portrayal of love and loss in The Tomorrow-Tamer is nuanced and complex, reflecting the messy realities of human relationships. Through Sara’s experiences, the novel invites readers to consider the ways in which our past traumas and losses shape our present relationships, and how we can learn to navigate the challenges of love and loss with grace and resilience.
Community and Belonging
In Margaret Laurence’s classic novel, The Tomorrow-Tamer, the theme of community and belonging is a prominent one. The protagonist, Sara, is a young woman who leaves her comfortable life in England to join her husband, a doctor, in a remote African village. As she adjusts to her new surroundings, she grapples with feelings of isolation and alienation. However, as she becomes more involved in the community and forms relationships with the local people, she begins to feel a sense of belonging. This theme is particularly relevant in today’s society, where many people struggle to find a sense of community in an increasingly individualistic world. The Tomorrow-Tamer reminds us of the importance of human connection and the role that community plays in shaping our identities.
Symbolic Geography
Symbolic Geography in The Tomorrow-Tamer.
Margaret Laurence’s novel, The Tomorrow-Tamer, is a rich tapestry of symbolism and imagery. One of the most striking aspects of the novel is its use of symbolic geography. Throughout the book, Laurence uses the landscape and environment to convey deeper meanings and themes.
One example of this is the use of the desert as a symbol of isolation and emptiness. The protagonist, Sara, finds herself stranded in the desert after her plane crashes. The vast, empty landscape serves as a metaphor for her own feelings of loneliness and despair. As she struggles to survive in this harsh environment, she also confronts her own inner demons and comes to a greater understanding of herself.
Another example of symbolic geography in the novel is the use of the river as a symbol of life and renewal. The river is a recurring motif throughout the book, and it represents the flow of life and the possibility of change. Sara is drawn to the river, and it becomes a source of comfort and inspiration for her. As she navigates the challenges of her new life in Africa, the river serves as a reminder that there is always the possibility of renewal and growth.
Overall, the use of symbolic geography in The Tomorrow-Tamer adds depth and complexity to the novel. By using the landscape and environment to convey deeper meanings and themes, Laurence creates a rich and immersive reading experience that stays with the reader long after the book is finished.