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.