"Swamp Angel" & "Twenty-Six"

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that Ethel Wilson's "Swamp Angel" and Leon McKay Jr.'s "Twenty-Six" are two dramatic novels written by Canadian authors and set within Canadian borders. The writer maintains that despite these superficial similarities they are, however, very similar books in their themes of compassion, familial relationships, time, drama, pain, and the necessity of moving forward. The writer concludes that the endings of "Swamp Angel" and "Twenty-Six" represent the importance of compassion in redemption. Life is difficult, the authors seem to acknowledge; but it rolls on, regardless of us. The writer maintains that the only means through which we can improve our lives and obtain meaning is through acceptance of change and the embracing of the human beings who are important to us - our family.

From the Paper:

"Both novels deal closely with the theme of compassion towards those around us, as part of being human. The novels Swamp Angel and Twenty-Six also deal with the concept of responsibility, particularly in a familial sense. Wilson's book serves to remind the reader what it is to be human. That is, we must not only be ourselves, but are responsible for the consequences of our actions and how they effect others - especially family members. This concept of responsibility is tied in with the idea of time. Wilson's character Maggie demonstrates that though time is ours, it does not permit us the joy and irresponsibility of floating along of our own accord, acting of our own whim without regard to others. Instead, life and relationships are temporal. And, in the temporal flow of relationships, changes abound. When Mrs. Severance gives up the Swamp Angel, she recognizes that time and change are necessary ideals to uphold."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Comeau, Paul. "Ethel Wilson's Characters." Studies in Canadian Literature. Date accessed: March 25, 2007. Available: http://www.lib.unb.ca/Texts/SCL/bin/get.cgi?directory=vol6_1/&filename=Comeau.htm.
• McKay Jr., Leo. Twenty-Six. Toronto, Ontario: McClelland & Stewart Ltd., 2003.
• Wilson, Ethel. Swamp Angel. Toronto, Ontario: McClelland & Stewart Ltd., 1990.

More papers on "Swamp Angel" & "Twenty-Six":

• Comparison Essay # 132666 : "Swamp Angel" and "Twenty-Six" - Canadian Authors"
• Book Review # 84302 : "'Twenty-Six'"
• Analytical Essay # 45781 : "Bernard Malamud's "Angel Levine"

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