Is Year of Wonders Primarily a Study of Grief and Loss

1142 Words5 Pages
“Is Year of Wonders primarily a study of grief and loss, or does it offer the reader an uplifting, optimistic message?” In the novel “Year of Wonders” written by Geraldine Brooks, it demonstrates heartbreak, suffering and agony, as a result of the plague in the village, Eyam. It reflects individual’s reactions in the community suffered primarily from grief and loss from characters such as Michael Mompellion, Anna Frith, John Gordon and some villagers. Brooks studies grief and loss intensely in the novel, however, it also demonstrates resourcefulness and resilience from Anna Frith and Michael Mompellion. It provides the readers an uplifting and optimistic message through the characters by their wisdom and moral beliefs despite the hardships they have endured from the plague, and is therefore not just a study of grief and loss. “Year of Wonders” is much more complex, and is a study of both grief and loss as well as providing readers a positive message throughout the novel, and this is seen from both main characters, Anna Frith and Michael Mompellion. Anna Frith is seen as a selfless, compassionate and altruistic woman, who changes from a poor miner’s widow and maid into an independent, mature woman from the plague. As a woman, she breaks down all social order and takes charge even with the limitations imposed by gender. She provides the readers an optimistic message, as she defies social norms, and rises into an imported figure that is respected in the community. This is evident when she is seen “riding astride with [her] skirt tugged up above my placket, [her] hair loose to [her] waist, [her] cap lost upon two moors.” This imagery shows her unlady-like features and challenges the period where it is considered unacceptable to be dressed that way. Anna provides readers hope as she serves the sick, and addresses many needs in the community by researching and

More about Is Year of Wonders Primarily a Study of Grief and Loss

Open Document