Knots seem to be a very predominate symbol throughout The Shipping News. Even though there was not any mention of knots in the beginning of the story, I knew that they were going to be important because many chapters are named after different types of knots. At the beginning of the chapters, Proulx puts a definition of the type of knot that come from “The Ashley Book of Knots”, and the definitions relate to what happens in each particular chapter.
One example is the chapter named “Strangle Knot” and its definition is: “The strangle knot will hold a coil well…It is first tied loosely and then worked snug” -The Ashley Book of Knots. In this chapter, Quoyle's parents decide to kill themselves because they feel that it is their time to go. It seems ironic that Proulx named the chapter "Strangle Knot" since they committed suicide, but she does it for a reason. All of the different types of knots that she mentions intertwine with Quoyle's life in some way, and they also teach lessons. The different knots, whether it be The Dutch Cringle, The Mooring Hitch, A Slippery Hitch, or a Love Knot, they all serve as being a symbol for something in Quoyle's life.
Quoyle's life is like a rope: it can be altered and tied into knots to adjust to different situations. His "rope" has been affected by many things through his life, causing it to be tied in different ways in order to accomodate himself. The knots help him to grasp and hold onto what is going on, in effect making him more secure. Since he has lived in Newfoundland, it seems his "knots" have become more effective and have helped him to change his view on life.
One example is the chapter named “Strangle Knot” and its definition is: “The strangle knot will hold a coil well…It is first tied loosely and then worked snug” -The Ashley Book of Knots. In this chapter, Quoyle's parents decide to kill themselves because they feel that it is their time to go. It seems ironic that Proulx named the chapter "Strangle Knot" since they committed suicide, but she does it for a reason. All of the different types of knots that she mentions intertwine with Quoyle's life in some way, and they also teach lessons. The different knots, whether it be The Dutch Cringle, The Mooring Hitch, A Slippery Hitch, or a Love Knot, they all serve as being a symbol for something in Quoyle's life.
Quoyle's life is like a rope: it can be altered and tied into knots to adjust to different situations. His "rope" has been affected by many things through his life, causing it to be tied in different ways in order to accomodate himself. The knots help him to grasp and hold onto what is going on, in effect making him more secure. Since he has lived in Newfoundland, it seems his "knots" have become more effective and have helped him to change his view on life.
496 What's 1+5 JF QT 4 • 00∆∆¶¶PPOON ™∆~×∆
ReplyDeleteReally appreciate your commentary. Thank you very much.
ReplyDeleteQuoyle's name is a reference to rope and knots as well. And coiled rope has a lot of potential.
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