“Our alliance is born, not of fear, but of hope. It is an alliance that advances what we are for, as well as opposes what we are against” - John F. Kennedy May 17, 1961 ("Selected Presidential Quotes on Canada"). Canada and America are neighbors, allies, trading partners, and friends. Their histories are intertwined through wars, trade, and shared values. In Canadian and American literature, one finds similar characterization and similar opinions on patriarchy. In fact, Canadian and American Southern Gothic literature share common use of setting, but with a varying degree of effect and meaning. In “Lamp at Noon”, author Sinclair Ross explores the hardships of the Dirty Thirties while in “A Rose for Emily” author William Faulkner explores the
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During an intense dust storm, Ellen is unable to stay isolated in her home saying, “I’m so caged-if I could only break away and run” (Ross, 115); in a haste, she takes the baby into the dust storm. When the storm clears and her husband Paul reunites with her and the baby, she says, “You don’t know how to hold a baby yet. See how his head falls forward” (Ross 117). Ross illustrates that the weather acts as a catalyst that traps Ellen and amplifies her anxiety. The loneliness and isolation caused by the setting is combined with marital problems to send Ellen into a psychotic episode which ultimately leads to the death of her son. Ross provides insight into the detrimental mental effects of experiencing an unhealthy amount of exile. This is a common theme among Canadian literature, as weather is an integral part of Canada’s history and culture. Another aspect of the story is that it is set in a period where the land is experiencing drought and is poverty stricken. Ross exemplifies this when Ellen is telling Paul she has “scuffed old slippers” and only “salt pork” to eat (Ross 114). Together, Ross suggests that if one’s physical and psychological necessities are not met then one will mentally break down. As Ellen’s hope for her marriage and the future dwindles, her mental faculties soon follows
During an intense dust storm, Ellen is unable to stay isolated in her home saying, “I’m so caged-if I could only break away and run” (Ross, 115); in a haste, she takes the baby into the dust storm. When the storm clears and her husband Paul reunites with her and the baby, she says, “You don’t know how to hold a baby yet. See how his head falls forward” (Ross 117). Ross illustrates that the weather acts as a catalyst that traps Ellen and amplifies her anxiety. The loneliness and isolation caused by the setting is combined with marital problems to send Ellen into a psychotic episode which ultimately leads to the death of her son. Ross provides insight into the detrimental mental effects of experiencing an unhealthy amount of exile. This is a common theme among Canadian literature, as weather is an integral part of Canada’s history and culture. Another aspect of the story is that it is set in a period where the land is experiencing drought and is poverty stricken. Ross exemplifies this when Ellen is telling Paul she has “scuffed old slippers” and only “salt pork” to eat (Ross 114). Together, Ross suggests that if one’s physical and psychological necessities are not met then one will mentally break down. As Ellen’s hope for her marriage and the future dwindles, her mental faculties soon follows