Assignment Question

In your writing, you must: Write a literary exploration essay on a theme based on the topic given above For this essay, select TWO characters from the novel Crow Lake. Include at least one quote as a supporting detail in each body paragraph that refers to a character from the novel. Reflect upon your own knowledge and/or experience. In your writing, you should: Refer to the actions, thoughts and words of characters that suggest the theme. Look to descriptions from the narrator and other characters that also suggest theme. Make the theme your main idea around which you organize your writing. Make sure that the examples and details that you select are relevant, specific and support your ideas about the idea that the past can have an influence on others.

Answer

Introduction

In Mary Lawson’s novel “Crow Lake,” the theme of the past’s profound influence on individuals is prevalent throughout the narrative. This essay delves into the intricate web of relationships in the novel, focusing on the characters of Kate and Matt Morrison, and their respective journeys as they grapple with the shadows of their past. As we explore their actions, thoughts, and words, along with descriptions from the narrator and other characters, it becomes evident that the past has an undeniable impact on the choices and destinies of the characters, reflecting the broader idea that the past can exert a significant influence on others.

Kate Morrison – A Life Defined by Tragedy

Kate Morrison, the novel’s narrator, carries the burden of her family’s tragic past. The death of her parents in a car accident becomes a defining moment in her life, shaping her thoughts and actions. She reflects on this tragedy, saying, “There had been a life before the accident, of course. But it was like living in another country.” (Lawson, 32) This quote illustrates how Kate’s past has severed her life into two distinct phases, with the accident as the dividing line. Her memories and experiences before the accident are forever altered by the trauma of that event. This pivotal moment casts a long shadow over her, affecting her choices and interactions.

Matt Morrison – The Weight of Sacrifice

Matt Morrison, Kate’s older brother, is another character deeply affected by the past. After the accident, he sacrifices his dreams of attending university to take care of Kate and their younger siblings. This decision is a clear reflection of the responsibility he feels toward his family and the traumatic past they share. The narrator observes, “Matt had been the first to realize the enormity of our loss. And it was Matt who had taken it upon himself to hold us all together.” (Lawson, 64) Matt’s sense of duty to his family is a direct result of the past tragedy, demonstrating how the past can shape one’s sense of responsibility and commitment to loved ones.

The Influence of the Past on Relationships

The novel also highlights how the past influences the relationships among the characters. Kate’s romantic relationship with Daniel is marked by her fear of repeating her parents’ mistakes, stemming from the past’s tragic impact on her family. She confides in Daniel, “I didn’t want to be like my parents, but sometimes I’m so scared that I will be.” (Lawson, 115) Here, Kate’s past haunts her, affecting her ability to fully commit to the relationship and trust in the future. This fear of repeating the past is a recurring theme throughout the novel, illustrating the profound influence of history on the characters’ choices and emotions.

The Burden of Unresolved Issues

Furthermore, the novel delves into the idea that unresolved issues from the past continue to haunt the characters. One of the central unresolved issues in “Crow Lake” is the silence surrounding the accident that claimed the lives of Kate and Matt’s parents. The characters, especially Kate, struggle with the lack of closure. She reflects on this, saying, “We couldn’t talk about it. There were too many silences, too many unasked questions. There were places inside of us we didn’t know how to navigate.” (Lawson, 89) This inability to confront the past directly affects their emotional well-being and their ability to communicate effectively with each other.

The Influence of the Past on Aspirations

The characters’ aspirations and career choices are also significantly influenced by their past experiences. Kate’s passion for science and her desire to escape the confines of her rural upbringing are a direct response to the limitations she perceives in her family’s history. Her pursuit of higher education and a career as a biologist is driven by the need to break free from the past’s constraints. The novel illustrates this ambition, stating, “I had a single-minded determination to escape. And I wasn’t interested in being able to make a living. I wanted to make a life.” (Lawson, 176) Kate’s determination is fueled by her past, and her choices reflect her desire to transcend the circumstances of her upbringing.

“There had been a life before the accident, of course. But it was like living in another country.” (Lawson, 32)

This quote, spoken by the narrator Kate Morrison, illustrates how the tragic past event, the accident that claimed her parents’ lives, has divided her life into distinct periods and how it profoundly influences her perspective and actions throughout the novel.

Conclusion

In “Crow Lake,” Mary Lawson masterfully portrays how the past can have a lasting influence on individuals and their relationships. Through the characters of Kate and Matt Morrison, we witness the enduring impact of tragedy and sacrifice, and how these experiences shape their thoughts and actions. The past is not a distant memory for these characters; it is a living presence that guides their decisions and perceptions. As readers, we are reminded that the past is not easily escaped or forgotten, and it can exert a significant influence on the course of our lives and the lives of those around us. Mary Lawson’s novel serves as a poignant exploration of the theme that the past can have a profound and lasting effect on others, leaving an indelible mark on their journeys through life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

1. What is the central theme explored in “Crow Lake” by Mary Lawson?

• The central theme in “Crow Lake” is the profound influence of the past on the lives and choices of the characters.

2. How does the past impact Kate Morrison’s life in the novel?

• Kate Morrison’s life is profoundly impacted by the tragic car accident that claimed her parents’ lives. She describes it as a dividing point in her life, separating her existence into “before the accident” and “after the accident.”

3. How does Matt Morrison’s past influence his decisions and responsibilities?

• Matt Morrison’s past, marked by the family tragedy, leads him to sacrifice his dreams of attending university to take care of his siblings. His sense of duty and responsibility to his family is a direct result of the past’s influence.

4. How does the past affect Kate’s romantic relationship with Daniel?

• Kate’s fear of repeating her parents’ mistakes, stemming from the past’s tragic impact on her family, affects her ability to fully commit to her relationship with Daniel. She’s haunted by the idea that she might follow in her parents’ footsteps.

5. What role do unresolved issues from the past play in the novel?

• Unresolved issues from the past, such as the silence surrounding the accident, continue to haunt the characters, particularly Kate. The characters’ inability to confront these issues affects their emotional well-being and communication.