Alistair MacLeod's No Great Mischief

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The search for and importance of family and identity of the Calum Ruadh clan in Alistair MacLeod's No Great Mischief is significant to the concept of blood being thicker than water. The importance of family, as indicated in No Great Mischief, is very apparent in regards to the main point of prominence in this deeply emotional Gaelic- Canadian tale. An idea that arises No Great Mischief[, is MacLeod’s ability to prove to the readers that it is impossible to talk about the Scottish-Canadian heritage without mentioning family history, loyalty and bonds. It is common for an individual to discuss all three factors when discussing family or one’s past in general. However, in No Great Mischief, MacLeod successfully manages to highlight each factor and outlines them in great detail. Therefore, the significance of family and identity in No Great Mischief manifests itself through family history, loyalty and typical relationships like family bonds—typically relationships. Together, all three of these components construct Alistair Macleod's No Great Mischief. In No Great Mischief, the family blood line introduced in the novel dates to the MacDonald’s, who are the most numerous of the great Scottish Highland clan. The MacDonald clan became powerful through their ability to train their men into great fighters and being frequently battle tested. The Scottish Highlanders played pivotal parts in the political up risings of Scotland's history. One of the up risings that was outlined in No Great Mischief was the massacre at Glencoe in 1692. The massacre of Glencoe as the narrator tells it was that this branch of the MacDonald clan was set upon by troops whom they had quarrelled with for two weeks under order... ... middle of paper ... ...y identity. Throughout No Great Mischief, the reader witness the importance of family. MacLeod's explores all facets of the MacDonald family, by examining family history, loyalty and family bonds . The points I previously stated are crucial, as they manage to identify what No Great Mischief’s focus is. No Great Mischief is constructed in a way to make the reader understand that identity is derived from family. Works Cited MacLeod, Alistair . No Great Mischief. Toronto, Ontario: Emblem Editions, 2001. Print. Marston, Daniel. The French-Indian War, 1754-1760. New York: Routledge, 2003. Print. "Glencoe, Massacre of (13 February 1692)." The Companion to British History, Routledge. London: Routledge, 2001. Credo Reference. Web. 03 December 2013. Print Eichler, Leah. "Alistair MacLeod: Of Scotsmen in Canada." The Publishers Weekly 247.17 (2000): 54. Print.

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