ComplicatedKindnessDayOne

A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews

Overview

• Author: Miriam Toews, a Canadian writer.

• Setting: The novel is set within a conservative, fundamentalist Mennonite community.

• Context: Focus on Toews's critique of fundamentalist beliefs.

Today's Goals

• Understand definitions of subculture and counterculture.

• Learn a brief history of the Mennonites, focusing on fundamentalist beliefs.

• Analyze the effectiveness of first-person narration in capturing adolescent voice.

• Discuss the importance of allusions and tone within the novel.

Understanding Subcultures

Definition

• Subculture: Shares values of dominant culture but differs in specific beliefs and practices (e.g., customs, behaviors, artifacts).

• Characteristics: Defined by age, race, ethnicity, social class, and more.

Examples of Subcultures

• University Community: Values respect for knowledge.

• Immigrant Communities: e.g., Francophone community values preserving French language and culture.

• Occupational Groups: e.g., Military personnel value courage in conflict situations.

Counter Cultural Groups

Definition

• Counterculture: Shares some values of the dominant culture but directly challenges or contradicts them.

• Nature of Impact: Can be positive or negative, often influencing the status quo.

Examples of Counter Cultural Groups

• Incel Movement: Community of men feeling involuntarily celibate.

• Westboro Baptist Church, Ku Klux Klan, Feminist Movements, and Environmental Movements: Varying degrees of countercultural influence based on societal changes.

The Judgment of Countercultural Groups

• Perceptions of these groups can vary depending on societal context and individual perspectives.

Author background: Miriam Toews

• Hometown: Steinbach, Manitoba, now residing in Toronto.

• Awards: Notable works include A Complicated Kindness (Governor General’s Award for Fiction 2004) and All My Puny Sorrows (Italy’s 2015 Sinbad Prize for Foreign Fiction).

Mennonite Community

Historical Context

• Origin: Rooted in the Protestant Reformation (16th century) with Menno Siemens.

• Migration: Groups migrated to North/South America and Russia, eventually arriving in Canada.

Modern Mennonites

• Over a million worldwide, beliefs range from social justice to conservative practices.

• Community Spectrum: Varies in relation to modernity—some very conservative.

Fundamentalism

Definition

• Fundamentalism can be found across various religions.

• Characteristics: Black-and-white worldview, literal interpretation of scriptures, rejection of modern values.

Impact of Fundamentalism

• Church and State: No separation, with church doctrine dominating community life.

• Consequences of Leaving Communities: Exiting the community means abandoning familial and social connections (as seen in Nomi's struggle).

Toews's Critique of Fundamentalism

• Quote from Toews: Describes fundamentalism as damaging, emphasizing control, shame, and lack of mental health support.

First-Person Narration in A Complicated Kindness

Character-Driven Narrative

• Focus: Centered on Nomi’s adolescent experience rather than a plot-driven story.

• Narration Style's Benefits: Provides insights into Nomi’s thoughts and emotions, fostering deeper understanding of character.

Tone and Voice

• Development of Nomi’s Character: Is Nomi’s voice authentic and relatable for a sixteen-year-old?

• Adolescence Insights: Nomi's observations reveal a complexity that resonates with adolescent inner dialogue.

Literary Techniques in the Novel

Allusions

• Definition: References to external works enrich the narrative, adding depth to character and theme.

• Examples: Nomi's reflections on art and literature illuminate her family's struggles and aspirations.

Irony in the Narrative

• Instances of irony establish contrasts between the community's expectations and individual experiences.

Exploring Themes Through Allusions

• Nomi's family dynamics explored through references to notable artists and writers (e.g., Jackson Pollock, W. B. Yeats).

• Symbolism of Art: Reflects Trudie's character and dreams—suggests aspirations thwarted by community pressures.

Conclusion

• Understanding of Mennonite life: The community depicted in A Complicated Kindness is a critique of extreme fundamentalism.

• Significance of Teen Identity: Highlighting the challenges of growing up in a restrictive society and the desire for personal freedom.