Local Culture In Annie Proulx's The Shipping News

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In our global world today, it is increasingly complex for individuals to navigate through a rapidly changing society. However, individuals who adopt a global perspective may feel overwhelmed and lose their individuality without a strong support network which can be offered by the local. This is explored through the characters of Annie Proulx’s novel The Shipping News 1993 and their journey to balance both their own local culture and the inevitable global world and this picture titled “Forward”. The local community offers a support system through a strong sense of family and community, and thus individuals who take on a global perspective are all the richer by retaining connections to the local and maintaining a balance. In the unrelenting and superficial scope of the global world, Quoyle struggle is evident…show more content…
which may be walked on if necessary”. He is shunned for his physical appearance “a great damp loaf” and abused by his Demon Lover Petal Bear and without a support network, he is left with nothing as Agnis observes “unemployed, wife gone, parents deceased”. However, when Quoyle seeks out his ancestral home Newfoundland, he finds much needed support through the acceptance from people of Killack-Claw. This enables him to live a richer life free of the burdens of his past and build stronger connections, thus empowering him and leading to his growth as a man. As Partridge comments wisely “love. it’s the engine of life”. Agnis’ role as the stout hearted woman, supporting Quoyle both financially and emotionally and the support of community members such as the Buggits, and the men of Gammy Bird, allows Quoyle to flourish as he explores the global through writing columns on the shipping news, shown through his comically proud tone “thirty-six years old and this was the first time anybody ever said he’d done it right”. Thus,

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