To Set Our House In Order By Margaret Lawrence

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Recommended: Order and freedom

The lust for control dwells in every human being. We like to be comforted with the idea of authority because it gives us a sense of power and certainty towards the future. The text “To set Our House in Order” takes place in a fictional setting of Manawaka, Manitoba, during the time of the Great Depression. Through this text Margaret Laurence depicts the idea that one may face many difficulties in the fight for order upon situations that are beyond human control. Laurence assembles her characters with very different personality traits to show contrast and conflicting ideas. Vanessa the main protagonist of the story, along with Grandmother Macleod, possess a longing for “order” and certainty. As the plot progresses so does Vanessa’s way of thinking. …show more content…

The human mind cannot bear the idea of uncertainty towards its future. It prefers life to be predictable and within our control as we fear of what our future holds. Through the character of Grandmother Macleod, Laurence shows the reader how the human mind reacts when it is presented with situations that are beyond its authority. Grandmother Macleod represents “order” in the story. As a young child she was told that “God loves Order”. Her actions and words reflect upon this advice. Even after many tragic events that take place in her life such as the death of her husband and son, she fails to notice that life has no order in fact it is very unpredictable. “For mercy’s sake, Vanessa, what have you been doing with yourself? Run get washed right this minute. Here not that way-you use the back stairs…” (Page 143) Grandmother Macleod wants order not only for herself but her surroundings as well. She imposes her beliefs and ideals upon others, expects them to follow and obey her rule. This aspect of her personality leads Vanessa and other members of her family such as Aunt Edna having a negative attitude towards her (add a specific example from the text). Laurence depicts grandmother as controlling, so the characters such as Vanessa can learn the truth about life that in the battle over control life is always the

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