Manvi Sharma - Magpies
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York University *
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Communications
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Jan 9, 2024
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MAGPIES - THOMAS KING
Introduction
Research
-background information about Thomas King
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A novelist, short-story writer and photographer who is part of the Member of the Order of Canada and was nominated for the Governor General’s Awards. ●
He is described as one of the finest contemporary Aboriginal writers in North America
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Early Life: Born on April 24, 1943 in California, USA. He is of Cherokee, Greek, and German descent. He moved to Canada in 1980 and became a Canadian citizen. He completed his Ph.D. in English and American Studies at the University of Utah.
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Writing: Thomas King is best known for his work as a writer. He has authored several novels, short stories, non-fiction works, and radio scripts. His writing uses humor, satire, and social commentary to address issues of identity, racism, and colonialism. Some of his notable
works include: “Medicine River” and ”Green Gas, Running Water”.
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Other Life: He is also an educator and an advocate for Indigenous rights. He has taught Native literature and creative writing at the University of Lethbridge and the University of Guelph. His work often addresses the need for greater understanding and respect for Indigenous cultures and perspectives.
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Awards: His contributions to literature have been widely recognized. He has received numerous awards, including the Governor General's Literary Award, the Trillium Book Award, and the National Aboriginal Achievement Award (now known as the Indspire Awards).
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Legacy: Thomas King's writing has had a significant impact on the field
of Indigenous literature and has played a role in raising awareness about Indigenous issues in Canada and beyond. His work continues to be studied in literature courses and admired by readers worldwide
Before Reading What is the importance of dialogue in a story? Is it Necessary?
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Aids in character development
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Dialogue allows readers to get to know characters on a deeper level. Through their words and interactions with others, we can learn about their personalities, motivations, values, and conflicts
(make characters more relatable and three-dimensional)
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Aids in advancing the plot of a narrative
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Characters share information, make decisions, and respond to events through dialogue. This helps maintain the story's plot and
keeps the audience engaged.
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Aids in creating conflict and tension within narrative
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Dialogue is an effective tool for creating conflict and tension in a
story. When characters have differing opinions, goals, or secrets,
their conversations can generate drama and suspense. These conflicts can be internal (within a character's own thoughts) or external (between characters).
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Aids in enhancing the theme of a story further
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Writers use dialogue to explore the story's themes and convey subtext. Characters may discuss philosophical ideas, ethical dilemmas, or emotional struggles, allowing the audience to question deeper layers of the narrative.
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Conveys a sense of voice while reading to help engage readers
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Dialogue can be a powerful tool for establishing the unique voice
and style of a story. Different characters may speak in distinct ways, reflecting their backgrounds, personalities, and experiences. This adds richness to the narrative and makes characters memorable.
○
Well-written dialogue can captivate readers and draw them into the story. Engaging conversations can make readers feel as if they are eavesdropping on real people, creating an emotional connection and investment in the characters and their fates.
After Initial Reading
a)
Summarize the story ●
The story revolves around an Indigenous man named Ambrose and an elderly Chinese woman, Granny. They struggle to communicate due to language barriers, as Ambrose speaks English, and Granny speaks another language - Cantonese.
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The dialogue initially highlights the challenges the characters face in understanding each other. Despite the linguistic divide, Ambrose and Granny manage to form a unique bond through nonverbal communication and a shared fascination with magpies.
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Symbol
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Magpies serve as a central symbol in the story, embodying both positive and negative qualities. They are personified and used as
a metaphor for human characteristics, such as gossip and deception. The magpies' duality mirrors the complexity of the characters and the cultural themes explored.
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Birds, particularly magpies, play a significant role in the narrative, serving as characters with various characteristics and symbolizing different things (name of title)
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Objects like trees, rivers, and mountains represent themes of rebirth and transition.
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Style of writing
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The narrative style combines first and second-person narration, creating a sense of storytelling within a community. The story ends with the narrator addressing the reader as "you," emphasizing the oral tradition of sharing stories within Indigenous communities.
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Dialogue
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Dialogue in the story serves as a reflection of the characters' initial struggles to communicate due to language barriers. It highlights the universal human desire for connection and understanding, despite linguistic differences.
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Nonverbal communication, gestures, and shared interests
(like the fascination with magpies) bridge the gap between the characters, showcasing the power of empathy and connection.
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These nonverbal cues (gestures, expressions, body
language) become essential in conveying their emotions and intentions when words fail them. It emphasizes the idea that human connection can transcend language.
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Themes:
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The Power of Promises: The narrative underscores the significance of promises in Indigenous culture, emphasizing that a promise is as sacred as a written contract.
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Ambrose's final promise to Granny becomes a focal point of the plot
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Preservation of Tradition: Granny's character symbolizes the importance of preserving cultural traditions and resisting modernization.
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Additionally, Granny represents the archetype of the wise old woman who values traditional ways and resists modernization.
b)
Describe you initial response to the story
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When I first read this short story, I I felt a mix of curiosity, empathy with the characters, along with engagement with the style of writing
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Curiosity and Intrigue: The story's title, "Magpies," immediately piqued my curiosity. I instantly wondered why magpies are central to the narrative and what symbolic or thematic significance they hold. This initial curiosity set the stage for an exploration of deeper themes.
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Language Barriers: As the story unfolds and the characters, Ambrose and Granny, struggle to communicate due to language barriers, making me initially feel a sense of empathy for their predicament. The frustration and confusion they experience in
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trying to understand each other's words can resonate with me who has seen my immigrant parents and families face similar challenges in real-life Canadian multicultural interactions.
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Interest in Character Dynamics: I found myself drawn to the characters of Ambrose and Granny. The unique situation they find themselves in, attempting to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, generates interest in how their relationship will evolve throughout the narrative.
c)
Develop two open ended discussion questions for the class
1.
The narrative style of "Magpies" is unconventional and unique, blending first and second-person narration. How does this narrative choice influence readers' perception of the story and connection with the characters?
2.
Considering the power of nonverbal communication in the story, such as gestures and body language. How do these forms of communication convey emotions and meaning in ways that words cannot?
Comprehension Questions
Make note of the stereotypes identified in the film. How does King subvert these same
stereotypes in Magpies?
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In "I'm Not the Indian You Had in Mind," Thomas King confronts the simplistic and often misleading portrayals of Indigenous peoples in the media.
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In "Magpies," King skillfully undermines these stereotypes by intricately developing the characters of Ambrose and Granny. Instead of conforming to conventional expectations, Ambrose and Granny emerge as multifaceted individuals who defy overly simplistic depictions. For instance, Ambrose, an Indigenous man, is not depicted as a stereotypical "Native" brandishing a tomahawk but rather as a contemporary individual navigating urban life. ●
Similarly, Granny, embodying the wise elder archetype, challenges the preconception that Indigenous people are solely rooted in the past. Through these characterizations, King encourages audiences to reevaluate and transcend one-dimensional media portrayals.
Define the terms reliable narrator and unreliable narrator. Making reference to these terms,
develop a profile of the narrator of this story. Consider from whose point of view this story
is told. What information does the story provide about this narrator and about
his or her
relationship to characters and events? Provide detailed evidence to support your response.
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The narrator can be deemed a reliable storyteller based on several compelling factors. ○
The narrator in "Magpies" provides profound insights into Ambrose and Granny's thoughts and actions, delving into their complex motivations and emotions. For instance, when Ambrose
grapples with his promise to Granny, the narrator vividly portrays his inner turmoil, connecting readers to his character emotionally. Additionally, the narrator maintains a balanced and empathetic perspective, offering a fair portrayal of both characters without imposing judgment. This approach allows readers to appreciate the complexity of each character's viewpoint. The narrator's consistent narrative style throughout the story enhances their reliability, assuring readers that the information can be trusted. Furthermore, the narrator effectively
conveys the story's themes of communication, cultural diversity,
and the significance of promises through Ambrose and Granny's portrayal, showcasing their reliability in delivering the story's intended messages.
In discussing contemporary Aboriginal literature, Thomas King has identified two frequently
recurring themes: a sense of community and the oral tradition. How are these
two themes
reflected in Magpies? Identify another theme that could be attributed to this story. Explain.
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Oral tradition and community:The story emphasizes the importance of human connection and understanding across cultural backgrounds, highlighting the potential for empathy and communication. Ambrose and Granny's evolving relationship showcases the power of personal connections within a broader community. The narrative style, resembling oral storytelling, underscores the significance of shared narratives and traditions, mirroring the oral traditions within Indigenous cultures. Additionally, the use of dialogue and nonverbal communication reflects the importance of interpersonal connections within a community.
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Another theme that can be attributed to "Magpies" is the theme of transformation. Throughout the story, both Ambrose and Granny undergo personal transformations as they learn to communicate and understand each other. Ambrose, in particular, experiences growth as he strives to fulfill his promise to Granny. This theme of transformation
aligns with the broader message of the story, emphasizing the potential for change and growth in individuals and communities.
Point Of View
First person ●
Told from the perspective of a character within the story, using pronouns like "I" or "we." This allows readers to directly access the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of the narrator.
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First person is often used when the writer wants to provide an intimate
and personal connection between the reader and the narrator (understanding emotions and inner thoughts). For example, a memoir, personal essay, or a story with a strong focus on a single character's perspective might use first person.
Second Person
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Second-person point of view is when the narrator addresses the reader directly, using pronouns like "you." This creates a sense of direct engagement with the reader, as if they are part of the story.
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It's commonly found in instructional writing, self-help books - It's also used in some experimental or avant-garde fiction to create an interactive experience for the reader.
Third Person(limited, omniscient, limited-omniscient)
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Third-person point of view is when the narrator is an external observer telling the story from outside the characters' perspectives. It uses pronouns like "he," "she," or "they." There are variations of third person, including limited and omniscient.
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Limited: narrator has access to the thoughts and feelings of one character (or a limited group of characters) in the story. This is useful for providing insights into a specific character's perspective.
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Omniscient: Narrator has access to the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of multiple characters, often all the characters in the story. This allows for a broader view of the narrative and can provide insights into various characters' motivations and actions.
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