"The Lamp at Noon"

Book Review # 100387

English > Analysis
Literature > Canadian

"The Lamp at Noon"

An analysis of the insanity of the character of Ellen in Sinclair Ross' novel "The Lamp at Noon".

723 words () | 1 source | MLA | 2007 United States

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the themes of loneliness, isolation and survival in Sinclair Ross' novel "The Lamp at Noon". It particularly focuses on the insanity of the character of Ellen and the reasons for her becoming insane during the story. The paper shows how this story epitomizes the struggle of the Canadian farmer during the depression in the 1930s.

From the Paper:

"This story epitomizes the struggle of the Canadian farmer during the depression. The refusal to listen to advice for changing farming practices in the face of drought; sacrificing long-term prosperity for short term cash grab, is the hallmark of many 1930s failed farms. The relationship between Ellen and Paul plays out another story, that of the poor man who marries a rich wife. The chip on his shoulder and foolish pride prevent him from listening to his wife and acknowledging when it is time to change, to move on, and to put aside his pride to save his marriage and family. Ellen is the traditional wife, needing her husband, but locked in the rules of marriage and staying at the farm even though she knows she should leave to save her baby. Yet she stays and the baby dies. The guilt and shame of that decision and the isolation ultimately cause her insanity."