Prof.

Luiz Manoel
Aluno: Laio Henrique de Oliveira
Questes sobre o texto Death by Landscape Margaret Atwood

A) Write about how Canada and Canadians are depicted in the story. Take its consideration the garrison
issues and other topics discussed in class.
Death by Landscape shows subtle, but nonetheless significant, qualities regarding Canadian culture.
The author (Margaret Atwood) uses Canadian landscape, Native culture, and character attributes to symbolize
the Canadian identity. The struggle between Native Canadians and European Canadians to define what makes
somebody Canadian is a major theme in this story. The historically inaccurate depiction of Native practices, as
well as the less than flattering depiction of Native people, is an all too real issue which is alluded to in this
story. Another major reference to Canadian identity is the depiction of the differences between Americans and
Canadians. The characters, Lucy and Lois, symbolize Americans and Canadians. Through the actions and
reactions of these characters, the reader comes to realize how the wilderness affects the Canadian mindset as
opposed to the American mindset. The final major reference to Canadian culture in this reading is how the
wilderness embodies itself in Loiss mind. The wilderness becomes part of Lois through tragedy. This story
expresses the idea that the wilderness is part of every Canadian, if only by the smallest degree.
Death by Landscape shows the differences between Native and European culture, the tension that
results from these differences, and how these two cultures affect the mindset of Canadians. It is important to
note the mockery that Native culture suffers in this story. Although the author uses this mockery to demonstrate
the wrongdoings of white Canadians, the affront to Native culture is nonetheless there.
The simple language and historically inaccurate attire mentioned in this passage display the mockery that
Natives have suffered at the hands of Europeans in the past. The reason for this over-exaggerated almost
cartoon versions of Natives is simple.
B) Is the topic of survival and identity (individual and national) somehow focused on? In which terms?
Alternatively, the emphasis on defining more specifically the Canadian wilderness of the north, in story is
highly symbolic and significant. Representation in "Death by Landscape" Atwood Canadian wilderness is
characterized by negativity. At the beginning of "Death by Landscape," Lois discusses his move to a condo.

This passage immediately asserts Lois disdain for nature. Nature is characterized as invasive and troubling,
causing distress to Lois rather than joy. Moreover, Lois has moved into a condominium, which is precisely the
antithesis of nature, a safe place devoid of any sort of threatening or uncharted nature. Lois again demonstrates
her distrust for nature in the passage telling of their canoe trip.
The characterization of the rock and trees, as rough and pointed, is resoundingly threatening and quite
scary, symbolizing the terror present in the unforgiving forest surrounding Camp Manitou. Furthermore, the
final sentence is even more terrifying than the sentence pertaining to the rough trees and pointed rock, with the
lake becoming deeper and colder than before, inciting imagery of a body of water ready to swallow them
whole. The final sentence also serves as foreshadowing the imminent disappearance of Lucy near a deep body
of water. Lois depiction of nature as threatening and evil symbolizes her own feelings about what has happened
to Lucyher disappearance has caused Lois to view nature negatively as she has witnessed the wilderness
capture her friend.
The theme of wildness can be seen in other forms of literature and film as well. Often there is the
archetypal theme of Man vs. Nature that appears in literature and film based around a characters survival
experience. The theme of wilderness can also be used in a more calming manner as an escape from the
harshness of society. The image of nature can perhaps be interpreted as the pureness of the world as well, and as
forests are removed, the image of the world becomes tainted.
C) Far is victimizations is concerned, comment on the possible passagers reflecting.
Uneasy and destabilizing tales, Margaret Atwood use storytelling to propel both plots forward, while
revealing important characteristics within Lois e and unveiling symbolism within the foreboding and
unforgiving landscape of the Canadian wilderness. Moreover, the voice of Lois, the way in which they present
she story, are highly significant and demonstrate their detached frame of mind in dealing with their
victimization. The storytelling is expertly supported by an affectless and unnerving depiction of the harsh
Canadian landscape, adding layers of meaning to both Lois story. Complex story, Atwoods presentation of the
story force the reader to open up the narrative to personally internalize the disappearance for themselves,
allowing them to feel akin to Lois, to suffer alongside she in the search for wholeness and understanding in
light of their deeply traumatic experiences in the Canadian wilderness.
The short and simplistic sentences reflect the actual disappearance of Lucy, which happened quickly and
frustratingly simply: she was near the edge of the rock overlooking the lake, and then she simply was not. The
short and simple sentences also contrast with Loiss internalization of the disappearance, which is the exact
opposite of simple and short; Lois has been battling with the disappearance and what it means to her for
decades and her feelings in regards to the disappearance of Lucy are unending and complicated and tinged with
unease. Finally, the commas encasing someone in the final line of the passage heavily foreshadow the
impending disappearance of Lucy and her consequent presence in the paintings for Lois.

Quite visibly, Lois

has been severely affected by the disappearance of Lucy, and has used the Group of Seven paintings of the
Canadian landscape in which Lucy disappeared as a means of distancing herself from the event in order to deal

with the trauma. Clearly, the use of detachment in Loiss storytelling reveals their impossibility in dealing with
the traumatic events.