“No Great Mischief” by Alistair Macleod is a novel that is told from the first person point of view through Alexander, our protagonist, and uses flashbacks and memories to help the reader understand the family history and dynamic better. The theme of this story is of nostalgia and the importance of family. The history of the family traces back many generations and holds a lot of meaning to each and every one of the family members, also know as clan members. For this essay, my focus is on comparing Calum and Alexander, their differences, their similarities and their masculinity. While reading this book you also have to take note that since this is coming from Alexander's point of view, and this is how he views his brother. It could be very different
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The most notable one that stuck with me was when the tragedy of red-haired Alexander happened, “The ore bucket had hit him in the shaft’s bottom and he died instantly” (119). The family members that worked at the Sudbury mine with him quit their job when they were all not allowed time off to attend his funeral. This shows how close the family is and how much every single one of them meant to each other, because you would not just quit your job for anyone. Alexander was at the start of his career, having just finished college and had a really big opportunity when red-haired Alexander was killed. He gave up his opportunity in order to help his brother when they were short one man when they were re-hired back at the mine. To me, this shows strength and courage to drop something that you have worked so long and hard to achieve. A quote from the very beginning of the book was said as Alexander is driving down the highway “It will be true to you if you are true to it and you will never, never, ever become lost” (3). This demonstrates how their family dynamic is. If you are true and loyal to the clan, it will stay true and loyal right back to you. When Calum got into that massive fight with Fern that ended up getting physical, Alexander did not hesitate to jump in and help his brother. This also further proves that their family believes in the quote “Blood is thicker than water” …show more content…
They have always put their families first even if it puts them in a tough spot. For example, Alexander going to Toronto every weekend to check up on Calum to make sure he is alright. He does not have to do that, but he does it because he cares. At the very end of the book Calum calls and at first, it is very confusing on what they are talking about, but Alexander drove all the way in the bad weather just to take Calum where he wanted to be during his last moment on earth. This proves just how strong Alexander really is on the inside to be able to know what is happening in that moment and with one last memory he ends it by telling us how strong Calum used to be. Everyone can be strong or masculine and not physically have to show it all the time, it can be through helping others when they need it. To me, I think that Calum was very strong at one point, but with everything that happened in his lifetime, it was bound to catch up to him at some point. Alexander may not be seen as strong, but I do think he is strong mentally. Seeing someone you love and care about going into a downward spiral would take a toll on anyone and for Alexander to handle it the way he did shows just how strong he really
The most notable one that stuck with me was when the tragedy of red-haired Alexander happened, “The ore bucket had hit him in the shaft’s bottom and he died instantly” (119). The family members that worked at the Sudbury mine with him quit their job when they were all not allowed time off to attend his funeral. This shows how close the family is and how much every single one of them meant to each other, because you would not just quit your job for anyone. Alexander was at the start of his career, having just finished college and had a really big opportunity when red-haired Alexander was killed. He gave up his opportunity in order to help his brother when they were short one man when they were re-hired back at the mine. To me, this shows strength and courage to drop something that you have worked so long and hard to achieve. A quote from the very beginning of the book was said as Alexander is driving down the highway “It will be true to you if you are true to it and you will never, never, ever become lost” (3). This demonstrates how their family dynamic is. If you are true and loyal to the clan, it will stay true and loyal right back to you. When Calum got into that massive fight with Fern that ended up getting physical, Alexander did not hesitate to jump in and help his brother. This also further proves that their family believes in the quote “Blood is thicker than water” …show more content…
They have always put their families first even if it puts them in a tough spot. For example, Alexander going to Toronto every weekend to check up on Calum to make sure he is alright. He does not have to do that, but he does it because he cares. At the very end of the book Calum calls and at first, it is very confusing on what they are talking about, but Alexander drove all the way in the bad weather just to take Calum where he wanted to be during his last moment on earth. This proves just how strong Alexander really is on the inside to be able to know what is happening in that moment and with one last memory he ends it by telling us how strong Calum used to be. Everyone can be strong or masculine and not physically have to show it all the time, it can be through helping others when they need it. To me, I think that Calum was very strong at one point, but with everything that happened in his lifetime, it was bound to catch up to him at some point. Alexander may not be seen as strong, but I do think he is strong mentally. Seeing someone you love and care about going into a downward spiral would take a toll on anyone and for Alexander to handle it the way he did shows just how strong he really