Barometer Rising Essay

							           Contrary to what most believe, Canadian literature has nothing to do with people living in igloos
and riding polar bears to either work or school. Actually, it is not even similar to that. Canadian
literature involves themes such as self-deprecation, underdog heroes, satire, and many more. These
three things are highly popular within Canadian literature, among other characteristics such as humor,
urban vs. rural, nature, mild anti-Americanism, self evaluation and southern Gothic. However, underdog
heroes, self-deprecation and satire were certainly the most evident in "Barometer Rising", appearing in a
clear and interesting manner.
           Self-deprecation is a big theme within Canadian literature. Although it is not a major theme with
"Barometer Rising", it is used in the story. Big Alec MacKenzie, the young man and the only person who
can help Neil Macrae, uses it on several occasions. He seems to think poorly of himself, and also seems
to feel rather disappointed with how his life turned out. However, Big Alec appears to be accepting of
what he does have, however little, and makes the best of it. In fact, Alec himself, after offering Neil a
couch to sleep on says, "I'm sorry there's nothing better for you in the house then this." [MacLennan, pg.
140]. This statement suggests to the reader that even though Alec may not have the best of things, he is
a very proud man, (indicated again when it is said, "He led the way to a prim little room he called the
parlor." [MacLennan, pg. 140]). Even though this small room may be nothing similar to a parlor of the
rich, it is his, and he is proud of it.
           In Canadian literature, an underdog hero often appears. When Neil is hurt during the war, he is
horribly wounded and should by all standards be dead. However Neil fights, and ends up overcoming his
injuries, but when Colonel Wain gets hit in the explosion, he cannot stand up to his injuries, and does not
survive (so, in the end, ironically and against all odds, Neil beats Colonel Wain). Right from the start it is
made clear that Neil should not "win". In the end, when Neil is searching for survivors after the
explosion, it says, "Neil stood staring as the beam of the torch fell on the frozen, familiar features of
Geoffrey Wain." [MacLennan, pg. 202], and it is at this moment that it becomes obvious that Neil is an
underdog hero of sorts.
           Angus Murray, the man who wants to marry Colonel Wain's daughter, Penny, presents another
characteristic of Canadian literature. Satire, which is unhappy irony or humor, is something that Angus
uses in everyday speech. This seems to be because of his unhappiness with his life. He refers to
himself as a failure and a drunk, as do others. Mamie, a friendly bartending friend of his says, "Forget it,
you don't owe me anything. Hell, you were too drunk to run up any bill tonight" [MacLennan, pg. 139].
When Angus is at Penny's house near the beginning of the story, Penny's aunt recognizes him not by his
actual person, but instead by his name and reputation. "That man, that Major Murray everyone knows
about." [MacLennan, pg. 23]. She describes him as, "Angus Murray! That man who used to ruin his
practice with drink wherever he went!" [MacLennan, pg.24]. However, through all this, he did have many
challenges to deal with in life, which clearly led to his drinking and failures.
            Overall, with these examples it is clear to see that "Barometer Rising" presents itself as a great
example of Canadian literature. Not only do these three characteristics appear in the text, but so do the
many others as well, although they may not be as strongly evident. In fact, the only one missing was
nature. This, however, isn't surprising, considering the story was set in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia.
However, "Barometer Rising" reached the standards of Canadian literature.