The Honary Patron Essay, Research Paper
GRADE 12-CANADIAN LITERATURE BOOK REPORT 1997-98 The book chosen to be read for this assignment is called, “The Honorary Patron”. The author of this book is Jack Hodgins and it consists of three hundred and thirty three pages. The initial setting is in Zurich, with a stopover in Toronto. The main narrative takes place in an unnamed small town in British Colombia near Victoria which is trying to organize a “Pacific Coats Arts Festival as a possible tourist attraction. The organizers have nominated as “Honorary Patron” the lead protagonist of the story who is, Jeffrey Crane. During the story, various characters are introduced however the main character, which is the protagonist is Jeffrey Crane. Crane is a semi-retired art historian and teacher, who has lived in Europe for the past forty years as an expatriate and has now been invited back to his old home town In the story, there are two individuals who are the main secondary protagonists. One of them is Elizabeth Argent, Jeffrey s old girlfriend who is dispatched Europe to induce him to accept the invitation to the festival. The other is Ken “Blackie” Blackstone, an old high school classmate of Jeffrey, who, in the intervening forty years, has risen to local eminence as a prominent local businessman, father of large brawling, multigenerational family and key festival patron. There are indeed more characters in the book. However, they do not play such as substantial a role in the book as those mentioned above. The main element of conflict is Crane s sense of ambiguity in “going home” after almost half a century. This is a theme as developed by other writers elsewhere: “you can t go home again”. In this case, home is rural British Colombia in the late 80 s, thus the Canadian angle. His old home town, and the people he knew, have all changed for both the better and the worst. For example, Elizabeth points out sarcastically that now the town has too few jobs and too many shopping malls. The other main conflict is also the result of feelings of ambiguity, i.e. Crane s feelings for Elizabeth. During the whole time they are together, the reader gets a feeling that at some point they will end up together and then there are times when you think they have no chance together. In the end, they go their separate ways and no romantic issues are resolved. Another element of conflict in the story is Crane s mixed relationship with Blackie. The reason for this is that Crane has been living in Europe among intellectuals, then he comes back to his old home town and finds his old classmate evolved into a red neck capitalist. The third and last minor element of conflict in the author s idea of the humorous paradox of an arts festival in a small, unimportant town which has lost its blue-collar economic base. None of the above conflicts above were cleanly resolved. However the feud begins to die down between Crane and Blackie. At one point, the two of them get into a fist fight.. But after knocking Crane to the ground, Blackie gets all concerned about the well being of Crane: “Put your weight on me there. I don t know if the water s still hooked up inside, but we ll find something to clean you up.” (Pg.303) This is the only conflict which was even halfway resolved.
To summarize: The author s main point about life in general , as pointed out above, is the difficulty of “going home again” after 40 years and dealing with people and places which grown in different directions in one s absence. The most distinctively Canadian experience illustrated in this novel is the self-absorbed world of Canada s “chattering classes”, represented by the main protagonist himself. On p. 24, Crane and Elizabeth sit in the cafe in Zurich and Crane remarks “Remember the Sunday-school memory work? He uttered his voice; the earth melted.” The narrator, reading Elizabeth s mind says, “Perhaps she thought it flabby-headed of him, even sentimental, to quote from a childhood source most adults were glad to forget”. (Pg.24) This shows how Crane and his old flame share a distinctively Canadian degree of spiritual shallowness characteristic of the Canadian intellectuals, both expatriate and domestic. Another example: Crane spends upward of 5 pages early in the book, prior to leaving for Canada, in a museum looking at, thinking about and talking about the paintings of an artist named Egon Shieles that most of his readers probably never heard of. The chattering classes and the working classes no longer share cultural common ground. This is true in Canada most of all, which has abandoned the old higher culture but has replaced it with nothing of substance. Now, working people, like Blackie and his blue-collar neighbors, live in a very different mental world than Crane and his friends, asd have very little to talk about. At first when I read the book, I thought it would be a really boring because of how slowly it started, and how the plot limped along and wandered, but then it became interesting. The part that I liked the most was the fist fight between Blackie and Crane. I found it nice how Blackie put his pride behind him and helped Crane in his time of need. I also was impressed by Crane s courage in returning home after so many years. Overall, I would recommend this book for people who are truly interested in finding out what one part of the Canadian experience is all about. For those who enjoy, this book offers a new variation: the un-romance. Over all after I finished the book I enjoyed it more than I thought I would.
Другие работы по теме:
Pope Leo X Essay Research Paper 1518
Pope Leo X Essay, Research Paper 1518 (150 Kb); Oil on wood, 154 x 119 cm (60 5/8 x 46 7/8 in); Uffizi, Florence It was for this achievement that Raphael has remained famous throughout the centuries. Perhaps those who connect his name only with beautiful Madonnas and idealized figures from the classical world may even be surprised to see Raphael’s portrait of his great patron Pope Leo X of the Medici family, in the company of two cardinals.
Los Dias Essay Research Paper Lindsay Thibault
Los Dias Essay, Research Paper Lindsay Thibault 10-20-00 Project #4 Computer Graphic Los Dias de la Semana (The Days of the Week) I would use this in a second grade classroom (eight-years-old), so students could practice the days of the week in Spanish. Towards the beginning of the school year, I would spend time teaching the students the days of the week in Spanish by going over them every morning.
Art History Essay Research Paper M
Art History Essay, Research Paper ?M & M ? s? When I entered in the gym, the outside morning quiet, softly blowing breeze stopped and the screams of go Phillips was
September 11 Essay Research Paper During the
September 11 Essay, Research Paper During the summer of tenth grade, I took a number theory course at Johns Hopkins University with students from Alaska, California, and Bogota, Colombia. My attendance of the New Jersey Governor’s School in the Sciences is another accomplishment that exemplifies my dedication to knowledge.
The Good Earth Essay Research Paper Good
The Good Earth Essay, Research Paper Good evening, we the graduating class of blessed sacrament school would like to welcome you to our 8th grade graduation. On behalf of the graduating class I especially would like to welcome Fr. McCarthy and Fr. Hand, Dr. Rouke, Teachers, Parents, relatives, and friends to our graduating ceremony.
Use This With Your Parents To Get
A Check For Anything (or Cash) Essay, Research Paper (I worte this in 7th Grade, I think I have used it (or or one like it) to get cash for anything… just add some stuff to it and make it look official. Have Fun!
Smoking Essay Research Paper In the seventh
Smoking Essay, Research Paper In the seventh grade I began to smoke cigarettes with my brother and a friend who introduced me to cigarettes. We smoke cigarettes in the morning before we get on the bus to go to school. I smoked cigarettes all through high school until my senior year, when I began to smoke black and milds (cigars).
My Music Teachers And There Positive Influence
On Me Essay, Research Paper Were supposed to do an essay on a person who has had a positive impact on our lives but that is a big list of people. So I decided on 3 people who have all had a contribution on my life.
Guatier Essay Research Paper Due to the
Guatier Essay, Research Paper Due to the curriculum of Spring Ridge Middle School, all the students are required to take a music class of their choice. I signed up for mine in the 7th grade, but since I can’t carry a tune very well I decided a guitar class would be the way to go. I’m not musical and besides in Elementary School, this is the only music class that I can vaguely remember taking.
Lesson Plan Essay Research Paper Lesson Plan
Lesson Plan Essay, Research Paper Lesson Plan: Reading Grade Level:Fourth Grade Aim:To recall the sequence of events in a story, using a story pie. Behavioral Objective:Students recall the sequence of events in a story, using a story pie, with 80% accuracy.
My Crush Essay Research Paper There once
My Crush Essay, Research Paper There once was a guy i really liked Ever since 6th grade. Last year was when he moved away; Goodbye to him I bade. I really truly liked this guy.
Treatment Of The Prisoners In The Concentration
Camps Essay, Research Paper Interdisciplinary Research Research Proposal The Treatment of the Prisoners in the Concentration Camps The topic that I plan to focus on in my research paper is treatment inside different concentration camps during the Holocaust. I plan to focus on three different camps, but I have not narrowed down my choices yet.
THINKING AS A HOBBY Essay Research Paper
Thinking as a Hobby In his essay “Thinking as a Hobby,” William Golding classifies thinkers into three categories. Analyzing everyone he meets is a very interesting hobby for Golding. When classifying these people, he puts them into “grades” according to their thinking style. Grade-three thinkers are very common, and Grade-two thinkers are less plentiful, but not as rare as Grade-one thinkers, who are most extraordinary.
Learning Experiences Essay Research Paper Learning is
Learning Experiences Essay, Research Paper Learning is something that takes place everyday. Each student learns in a different way and various speeds. Teachers are an important tool for students learning. Therefore, they must create a comfortable environment for their students.
Religious Edu Essay Research Paper Teacher
Religious Edu Essay, Research Paper Teacher: Raymen E. Grade Level: 6th Date: 08/26/00 Lesson Plan Book One ? Exploring and Discovering. Topic One ? Mapping the world.
Cheating Essay Research Paper CheatingI believe that
Cheating Essay, Research Paper Cheating I believe that cheating is a terrible thing to do and will hurt you in the long run. When you cheat on a homework assignment, quiz, or test, you are only cheating yourself. You should be honorable enough to take a bad grade and admit that you don’t know everything.
Computers In Education Essay Research Paper Education
Computers In Education Essay, Research Paper Education has been changing so much in the last few years with the introduction to the computers both in the classroom and at home with the students. Students are no longer expected to write papers but type them up; Papers are no longer expected to be just writing but integrated with pictures and graphs; Projects have also changed from who can learn the most to who can make it look good.
Miller Spring Essay Essay Research Paper Miller
Miller Spring Essay Essay, Research Paper Miller Springs Essay My science class and I went to Miller Springs to learn about sediments and nature a few days ago. The good and bad sides of the trip I will explain below.
Holocaust Essay Research Paper The Holocaust In
Holocaust Essay, Research Paper The Holocaust: In Memory of Millions Response Paper I have always known the holocaust to be one of the worst events in all of history. I remember learning all about it in history class in the ninth grade and being appalled by all the horrors that were shown to us. We learned all about the intense persecution of the Jews, how they were forced into terrible concentration camps where they either worked or were killed, and how the Germans just walked around beating on them and destroying every part of their lives.
Teacher Essay Research Paper Ever since I
Teacher Essay, Research Paper Ever since I was five years old, I was always playing teacher (not house like most kids my age). I made my sisters act as the students while I played the teacher. I wrote on the chalkboard, gave them worksheets,
Fuck You Bitch Essay Research Paper Dear
Fuck You Bitch Essay, Research Paper Dear Anne Landers,This article is in response to the Midwestern Realists article about today s American teenagers. I am 14, and am in 8th grade. It is completely unfair of you to make such a large generalization. I am in advanced math, and am getting pretty good grades in all of my classes.
Grade Inflation Essay Research Paper What is
Grade Inflation Essay, Research Paper What is the definition of grade inflation? The most obvious definition is that grade patterns change so that the overwhelming majority of students in a class, college, or university receive higher grades for the same quantity and quality of work done by students in the past.
Saint Raphael The Archangel Essay Research Paper
Saint Raphael the Archangel The saint I?ve chosen for my confirmation is Saint Raphael the Archangel. Saint Raphael is also known as the Angel of Love and the Angel of Joy. A few things he is a patron of are the blind, love, lovers, travelers, young people, and guardian angels. His name means ? God has healed?, or ? Healer of God?.
Observation Report Essay Research Paper Christopher TippinsObservation
Observation Report Essay, Research Paper Christopher Tippins Observation Report Dr. Kibria April 26, 1999 During the month of March, I observed a special education classroom at East Elementary School. This was a third grade class containing only disabled students. Although this class was labeled a third grade class, the students were on different levels in certain subjects.
School Related Sports Essay Research Paper My
School Related Sports Essay, Research Paper My editorial is how the seriousness for school related sports has decreased. Sports aren?t what they used to be. People who say things like ? people are taking these sports too seriously? or ? the sports are meant to be fun?, I think, should rethink their opinion.
How To Writing A Research Essay Essay
, Research Paper How To Writing A Research Essay The toughest part of the essay, for me, was taking all the information I had gained and reduce it to a mere few pages essay. After all, quality is better
MS Power Point Essay Research Paper Reflection
MS Power Point Essay, Research Paper Reflection on MS Power Point The Microsoft Power Point presentation that we just completed was a fun project. I learned how to set up Power Point slides while infiltrating animation and sound.
Computers Essay Research Paper computers are fun
Computers Essay, Research Paper computers are fun. they have a mouse a monitor and aol. this is gay cant you tell im bored and i need an essay before i get a bad grade. i love nic and steve and alex and randy and myself ta taoyuhljltkjglskdjlsakjfglakjdlkfjawldfjlakdjflakjdfljaldfjlaskfcomputers are fun. they have a mouse a monitor and aol. this is gay cant you tell im bored and i need an essay before i get a bad grade. i love nic and steve and alex and randy and myself ta taoyuhljltkjglskdjlsakjfglakjdlkfjawldfjlakdjflakjdfljaldfjlaskfcomputers are fun. they have a mouse a monitor and aol. this is gay cant you tell im bored and i need an essay before i get a bad grade. i love nic and steve and alex and randy and myself ta taoyuhljltkjglskdjlsakjfglakjdlkfjawldfjlakdjflakjdfljaldfjlaskfcomputers are fun. they have a mouse a monitor and aol. this is gay cant you tell im bored and i