The Language
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| Obviously, Richardson’s novel was written for a different time and audience than contemporary readers. Map out the key divergences from modern literary tastes and modes and explain how they relate to both the plot and the narrative perspective of the novel. | Obviously, Richardson’s novel was written for a different time and audience than contemporary readers. Map out the key divergences from modern literary tastes and modes and explain how they relate to both the plot and the narrative perspective of the novel. | ||
| - | + | '''Intro''' | |
| - | Richardson’s novel was written in a time period that only valued the opinions and narratives of white people and in a period that did not recognize any other person with a different colour of skin as a human. For contemporary readers, the language that is used in this book is not only racist but offensive to many people. However, the language in Wacousta is what gives the contemporary readers an idea of what life was like during that time period and the social acceptances and behaviours that was had. Language is the road map that shows us where we were, how far we have come and shows us what we need to do better in order to improve. | + | Richardson’s novel was written in a time period that only valued the opinions and narratives of white people and in a period that did not recognize any other person with a different colour of skin as a human. For contemporary readers, the language that is used in this book is not only racist but offensive to many people. However, the language in ''Wacousta'' is what gives the contemporary readers an idea of what life was like during that time period and the social acceptances and behaviours that was had. Language is the road map that shows us where we were, how far we have come and shows us what we need to do better in order to improve. |
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| - | + | ||
| + | '''Narration''' | ||
| Throughout Richardson’s novel the language that is used by both the narrator and the characters is an indicator of the type of time period they are in and what the relationships and interactions were like. | Throughout Richardson’s novel the language that is used by both the narrator and the characters is an indicator of the type of time period they are in and what the relationships and interactions were like. | ||
| The narrator acknowledges the white individuals known as the “French” (7) by calling them by their background. However, later on in the story the French get referred to as “Canadians” (9). Canadian identity is brought into question as to what traits of a person are defined as “Canadian”? French people settled 150 years before the British had come to the Canadas however the Indigenous people were the first people here. Yet the narrator only refers to the French as “Canadians” and refers to the Indigenous people as “those savage and warlike people” (7). This gives the message that not only is Canadian identity associated with whiteness but that the country is not validated or “discovered” until a white person acknowledges it. | The narrator acknowledges the white individuals known as the “French” (7) by calling them by their background. However, later on in the story the French get referred to as “Canadians” (9). Canadian identity is brought into question as to what traits of a person are defined as “Canadian”? French people settled 150 years before the British had come to the Canadas however the Indigenous people were the first people here. Yet the narrator only refers to the French as “Canadians” and refers to the Indigenous people as “those savage and warlike people” (7). This gives the message that not only is Canadian identity associated with whiteness but that the country is not validated or “discovered” until a white person acknowledges it. | ||
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| - | Characterization | + | '''Characterization''' |
| When writing Wacousta in 1832 Paris, John Richardson had the advantage of his combined Odawa and British roots in which to approach the novel. However, the narrative perspective that Richardson uses to present Wacousta represents the divide between the two groups during the events of the novel. With the use of inhumane description and characterization, Richardson presents the Aboriginal characters in a negative and unprofessional way in comparison to the British. Racist language is depicted in the descriptions of the main protagonist Wacousta, who is introduced to the novel as a “gigantic warrior” shouting “savage rage” (152). Further discrimination of Aboriginal peoples can be noted throughout the novel, through the recurrent addressing of their people as “the Indians” as well as “savages.” Richardson uses this discriminatory language successfully to make the members of the Ottawas appear animalistic, and furthermore inferior to the higher class British. On the other hand, mature terms such as “[the soldier’s] long habits of discipline,” (371) and “the fall of their brave leader” (372) are used to distinguish the British, while strengthening and professionalizing their image. The popular British family of Captain de Haldimar is made to be pitied many times throughout the novel; the emotional struggles in which children Clara and Frederick ensue along with the death of their mother Clara humanizes the family, as well as creates the possibility of emotionally affecting readers by causing them to feel a connection to these characters. Richardsons narration makes it more difficult for readers to connect with the “Indian” characters considering how strongly they lack emotional intelligence. These characters receive more aggressive descriptions such as “dark and ferocious warrior,” (264) while British characters are found with much warmer descriptions, such as “all that is dear, tender, and affectionate” (108). Overall, Richardson uses characterization to manipulate the portrayal of the Aboriginal peoples versus the British. | When writing Wacousta in 1832 Paris, John Richardson had the advantage of his combined Odawa and British roots in which to approach the novel. However, the narrative perspective that Richardson uses to present Wacousta represents the divide between the two groups during the events of the novel. With the use of inhumane description and characterization, Richardson presents the Aboriginal characters in a negative and unprofessional way in comparison to the British. Racist language is depicted in the descriptions of the main protagonist Wacousta, who is introduced to the novel as a “gigantic warrior” shouting “savage rage” (152). Further discrimination of Aboriginal peoples can be noted throughout the novel, through the recurrent addressing of their people as “the Indians” as well as “savages.” Richardson uses this discriminatory language successfully to make the members of the Ottawas appear animalistic, and furthermore inferior to the higher class British. On the other hand, mature terms such as “[the soldier’s] long habits of discipline,” (371) and “the fall of their brave leader” (372) are used to distinguish the British, while strengthening and professionalizing their image. The popular British family of Captain de Haldimar is made to be pitied many times throughout the novel; the emotional struggles in which children Clara and Frederick ensue along with the death of their mother Clara humanizes the family, as well as creates the possibility of emotionally affecting readers by causing them to feel a connection to these characters. Richardsons narration makes it more difficult for readers to connect with the “Indian” characters considering how strongly they lack emotional intelligence. These characters receive more aggressive descriptions such as “dark and ferocious warrior,” (264) while British characters are found with much warmer descriptions, such as “all that is dear, tender, and affectionate” (108). Overall, Richardson uses characterization to manipulate the portrayal of the Aboriginal peoples versus the British. | ||
Revision as of 14:34, 14 June 2020
Group 6 - The Language
Group 6 – The Language Obviously, Richardson’s novel was written for a different time and audience than contemporary readers. Map out the key divergences from modern literary tastes and modes and explain how they relate to both the plot and the narrative perspective of the novel.
Intro Richardson’s novel was written in a time period that only valued the opinions and narratives of white people and in a period that did not recognize any other person with a different colour of skin as a human. For contemporary readers, the language that is used in this book is not only racist but offensive to many people. However, the language in Wacousta is what gives the contemporary readers an idea of what life was like during that time period and the social acceptances and behaviours that was had. Language is the road map that shows us where we were, how far we have come and shows us what we need to do better in order to improve.
Narration Throughout Richardson’s novel the language that is used by both the narrator and the characters is an indicator of the type of time period they are in and what the relationships and interactions were like.
The narrator acknowledges the white individuals known as the “French” (7) by calling them by their background. However, later on in the story the French get referred to as “Canadians” (9). Canadian identity is brought into question as to what traits of a person are defined as “Canadian”? French people settled 150 years before the British had come to the Canadas however the Indigenous people were the first people here. Yet the narrator only refers to the French as “Canadians” and refers to the Indigenous people as “those savage and warlike people” (7). This gives the message that not only is Canadian identity associated with whiteness but that the country is not validated or “discovered” until a white person acknowledges it.
Something to also take note of is how the Ottawas tribe refers to the British people as “Saganaw” (10)
Characterization
When writing Wacousta in 1832 Paris, John Richardson had the advantage of his combined Odawa and British roots in which to approach the novel. However, the narrative perspective that Richardson uses to present Wacousta represents the divide between the two groups during the events of the novel. With the use of inhumane description and characterization, Richardson presents the Aboriginal characters in a negative and unprofessional way in comparison to the British. Racist language is depicted in the descriptions of the main protagonist Wacousta, who is introduced to the novel as a “gigantic warrior” shouting “savage rage” (152). Further discrimination of Aboriginal peoples can be noted throughout the novel, through the recurrent addressing of their people as “the Indians” as well as “savages.” Richardson uses this discriminatory language successfully to make the members of the Ottawas appear animalistic, and furthermore inferior to the higher class British. On the other hand, mature terms such as “[the soldier’s] long habits of discipline,” (371) and “the fall of their brave leader” (372) are used to distinguish the British, while strengthening and professionalizing their image. The popular British family of Captain de Haldimar is made to be pitied many times throughout the novel; the emotional struggles in which children Clara and Frederick ensue along with the death of their mother Clara humanizes the family, as well as creates the possibility of emotionally affecting readers by causing them to feel a connection to these characters. Richardsons narration makes it more difficult for readers to connect with the “Indian” characters considering how strongly they lack emotional intelligence. These characters receive more aggressive descriptions such as “dark and ferocious warrior,” (264) while British characters are found with much warmer descriptions, such as “all that is dear, tender, and affectionate” (108). Overall, Richardson uses characterization to manipulate the portrayal of the Aboriginal peoples versus the British.
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