The Diviners

Introduction

Welcome to the vibrant world of “The Diviners” by Margaret Laurence! 📚✨ Set against the rich tapestry of Canada, this novel is a profound exploration of identity, belonging, and the journey of self-discovery. Margaret Laurence, a celebrated figure in Canadian literature, penned “The Diviners” as part of her renowned Manawaka series. It’s not just a book; it’s a mosaic of life in the fictional town of Manawaka, inspired by Laurence’s own hometown in Manitoba.

Published in 1974, “The Diviners” stands out for its deep character portrayals and its vivid depiction of Canadian life, making it a cornerstone of Canadian literature. The genre of the novel can be best described as literary fiction, with a strong emphasis on character development and thematic depth. Laurence’s masterful storytelling invites readers into the intimate world of Morag Gunn, a novelist living in rural Ontario, as she navigates the complexities of her life, tracing her roots back to her Scottish ancestry and her childhood in a small prairie town.

Let’s dive into the heart and soul of “The Diviners” and explore the layers that make this book a timeless classic in Canadian and world literature. 🍁📖

Plot Summary

“The Diviners” by Margaret Laurence is a rich tapestry of memory, identity, and the search for belonging, woven through the life of Morag Gunn. Let’s break down the journey into its key components:

Exposition — The story begins with Morag, a middle-aged writer living by a river in rural Ontario, reflecting on her life and the novel she is writing. Her story is interlaced with her current life, her childhood in the fictional town of Manawaka, Manitoba, and her journey towards becoming a writer. Morag is a fiercely independent character, shaped by her early life experiences of loss and resilience.

Rising Action — Morag’s journey takes us back to her childhood, raised by the gruff yet caring Christie Logan, after the death of her parents. Her early experiences of poverty, social stigma, and the complex love-hate relationship with her small town set the stage for her rebellious nature. Her friendship and eventual love affair with Jules Tonnerre, a Métis boy from her town, introduce the themes of racial prejudice, love, and the struggle for identity.

Climax — The climax unfolds as Morag moves to the city for education, marries a fellow student, Brooke, and begins her life away from Manawaka. The marriage, however, is stifled by Brooke’s traditional views on marriage and Morag’s need for independence, leading to their eventual separation. This period marks a turning point for Morag, as she begins to find her voice as a writer, delving into the stories of her land and people, and rekindling her relationship with Jules.

Falling Action — After her marriage dissolves, Morag’s journey of self-discovery continues as she navigates single motherhood to her daughter, Pique, and her evolving relationship with Jules. Her return visits to Manawaka and the deepening understanding of her roots and her people add layers to her character and her writing.

Resolution — The novel culminates with Morag achieving a sense of wholeness and identity, both as a writer and as an individual. Her relationship with her daughter, her acceptance of her past, and her reconciliation with the aspects of her life that have shaped her, complete her transformation. The river by her home, a constant presence in the novel, symbolizes the flow of life and the continuity of her story with those of the diviners who came before her.

“The Diviners” is not just a story of a woman’s struggle for autonomy and identity but a profound commentary on the nature of storytelling, the complexities of human relationships, and the deep ties that bind us to our heritage and land.

Character Analysis

“The Diviners” is rich with complex characters, each contributing to the novel’s exploration of identity, belonging, and the human condition. Here’s a closer look at the main characters:

• Morag Gunn — A strong-willed and independent woman, Morag is the protagonist whose life story forms the backbone of the novel. From her humble beginnings in Manawaka to becoming a successful writer, Morag’s journey is one of self-discovery and resilience. Her character is marked by a fierce independence, a deep connection to her roots, and a struggle to reconcile her past with her present.
• Christie Logan — Morag’s foster father, a gruff yet loving caretaker who works as a garbage collector. Christie is a significant figure in Morag’s life, providing stability, love, and a sense of belonging. He instills in her the value of stories and the importance of knowing one’s heritage.
• Jules Tonnerre — A Métis boy from Morag’s childhood and her lifelong love interest. Jules represents a link to Morag’s past and the complexities of racial and cultural identity in Canada. Their relationship is passionate but tumultuous, reflecting the broader social tensions of their time.
• Pique — Morag and Jules’s daughter, who embodies the merging of cultural identities. Pique’s character explores themes of belonging and the search for identity, as she navigates her mixed heritage and the influence of her strong-willed mother.
• Brooke Skelton — Morag’s husband during her time at college. Brooke is a traditionalist, whose expectations of marriage and Morag’s role within it clash with her independent spirit, leading to their eventual separation. He represents the societal norms that Morag struggles against.

Here’s a summary table of the main characters and their development:

Character	Personality	Motivations	Development
Morag Gunn	Independent, resilient	To find her identity and voice as a writer	Grows from a confused girl into a strong, self-aware woman
Christie Logan	Gruff, loving	To protect and educate Morag	Serves as a moral and emotional anchor for Morag
Jules Tonnerre	Passionate, complex	To navigate his cultural identity and love for Morag	Struggles with societal acceptance, remains a constant in Morag’s life
Pique	Independent, searching	To understand her heritage and place in the world	Learns to navigate her mixed heritage and relationships
Brooke Skelton	Traditional, academic	To fit Morag into his idea of a wife	Represents the societal pressures Morag defies to find her true self

Morag, Christie, Jules, Pique, and Brooke are not just characters; they are embodiments of the novel’s themes—identity, storytelling, and the quest for belonging. Through them, Laurence explores the depths of human emotions, the complexities of relationships, and the indelible impact of heritage and history on individual lives.

Themes and Symbols

“The Diviners” by Margaret Laurence is a richly layered narrative that weaves together various themes and symbols, each adding depth and meaning to the story. Let’s explore some of the most significant ones:

• Search for Identity — The quest for personal identity is central to the novel, particularly through Morag’s journey. Her struggle to reconcile her past with her present and her desire to define herself beyond societal expectations mirror the broader search for cultural and national identity in Canada.
• The Role of Storytelling — Storytelling is a vital theme, serving as a bridge between past and present, individual and community. Through stories, characters connect with their heritage, navigate their identities, and pass on their experiences. Christie Logan’s stories, Morag’s novels, and the oral traditions of Jules’s family underscore the power of storytelling in shaping identity and understanding.
• Land and Place — The Canadian landscape, especially the river beside Morag’s home, is a powerful symbol of continuity, history, and the flow of life. The land reflects the characters’ inner landscapes and serves as a backdrop to their journeys of self-discovery.
• Gender Roles and Feminism — Morag’s life story challenges traditional gender roles and reflects the feminist concerns of the 1970s. Her independence, career as a writer, and refusal to conform to the expectations of wifehood and motherhood highlight the struggle for women’s autonomy and self-expression.
• Cultural Heritage and Racism — The novel addresses the complexities of cultural heritage and the impact of racism through the experiences of Jules and his family. The discrimination they face and their resilience in maintaining their cultural identity amidst prejudice explore themes of belonging, otherness, and the search for acceptance.
• Symbols:
• The River — Represents life’s continuity, the flow of time, and the connection between past, present, and future. It’s a constant in Morag’s life, symbolizing her journey and personal growth.
• Divining — The act of divining, or water witching, symbolizes the search for what is hidden beneath the surface, be it water or personal truths. It reflects the novel’s exploration of uncovering hidden aspects of self and history.
• The Phoenix — Frequently referenced in the novel, the phoenix symbolizes rebirth and renewal. It mirrors Morag’s and other characters’ ability to rise from adversity and transform their lives.

These themes and symbols intertwine to create a complex narrative that explores the multifaceted nature of identity, the importance of storytelling, and the deep connections to land, culture, and community. Laurence masterfully uses these elements to deepen the readers’ understanding of the characters and their struggles, making “The Diviners” a profound and enduring work of literature.

Style and Tone

Margaret Laurence’s “The Diviners” showcases a distinctive writing style and tone that contribute significantly to the novel’s mood and atmosphere. Let’s explore these elements:

• Introspective and Reflective Tone — The novel is imbued with a tone that is deeply introspective and reflective, mirroring the protagonist Morag’s journey of self-exploration and her contemplation of life’s complexities. Laurence’s use of introspection invites readers to delve into the characters’ inner worlds, understanding their motivations, fears, and desires.
• Non-linear Narrative — Laurence employs a non-linear narrative structure, weaving together different timelines and perspectives. This stylistic choice reflects the way memories and history impact the present, allowing the narrative to flow between Morag’s past and her present reflections. It challenges readers to piece together Morag’s life story, much like a puzzle, enhancing the depth and richness of the narrative.
• Vivid Descriptions — The novel is notable for its vivid and detailed descriptions of the Canadian landscape, which not only ground the story in a specific place but also serve as a metaphor for the characters’ internal landscapes. Laurence’s descriptive prose brings the setting to life, making it an integral part of the narrative.
• Dialogues and Dialects — Laurence skillfully uses dialogues and dialects to add authenticity to her characters and setting. The use of local vernacular and idiomatic expressions enriches the narrative, providing insights into the characters’ backgrounds and social contexts.
• Symbolism and Imagery — The use of symbolism and imagery is prevalent throughout the novel, with recurring symbols like the river and the phoenix adding layers of meaning. Laurence’s imagery is not only poetic but also deeply evocative, enhancing the thematic depth of the novel.
• Feminist Undertones — The narrative is laced with feminist undertones, questioning traditional gender roles and highlighting the protagonist’s struggle for independence and self-fulfillment. Laurence’s portrayal of Morag as a strong, independent woman navigating the challenges of her time is a powerful statement on women’s autonomy.

These stylistic elements combine to create a rich, immersive reading experience. Laurence’s writing is both engaging and thought-provoking, inviting readers to reflect on the themes of identity, memory, and the human connection to place. The unique blend of introspective tone, non-linear storytelling, vivid descriptions, authentic dialogues, and symbolic depth makes “The Diviners” a masterpiece of Canadian literature.

Literary Devices used in The Diviners

Margaret Laurence’s “The Diviners” employs a range of literary devices that enrich the narrative, adding layers of meaning and enhancing the reader’s experience. Here are the top 10 devices used in the book:

1. Metaphor — Laurence uses metaphors extensively to draw parallels between characters’ experiences and broader themes. For example, the river beside Morag’s home is a recurring metaphor for life’s flow and continuity.
2. Symbolism — Symbols like the phoenix and the river imbue the novel with deeper meanings, representing themes of rebirth, resilience, and the passage of time.
3. Flashback — The narrative structure relies heavily on flashbacks, allowing Laurence to explore Morag’s past and its influence on her present, enriching the character’s development and the story’s depth.
4. Foreshadowing — Laurence subtly uses foreshadowing to hint at future events, creating suspense and preparing the reader for key moments in the narrative.
5. Imagery — Vivid imagery is used to paint detailed pictures of settings and emotions, making the narrative more engaging and evocative. Laurence’s descriptions of the Canadian landscape are particularly striking.
6. Irony — Irony, both situational and dramatic, underscores the novel’s exploration of themes like identity and belonging, often revealing the contrasts between characters’ perceptions and reality.
7. Personification — Inanimate elements, particularly the natural environment, are often personified, highlighting the deep connection between the characters and the land.
8. Allusion — Laurence incorporates allusions to literature, history, and mythology, enriching the narrative with additional layers of meaning and connecting Morag’s story to broader cultural and historical contexts.
9. Dialect — The use of dialect and colloquial language adds authenticity to the characters and setting, grounding the story in its Canadian context and highlighting cultural nuances.
10. Stream of Consciousness — The novel occasionally employs a stream of consciousness technique, particularly in Morag’s reflections, capturing the fluid and often chaotic nature of thoughts and emotions.

These literary devices are integral to Laurence’s storytelling, weaving together the intricate tapestry of “The Diviners.” They not only enhance the narrative’s aesthetic qualities but also deepen the exploration of themes such as identity, memory, and the human connection to the environment.

Literary Devices Examples

Let’s explore examples and explanations for each of the top 10 literary devices used in “The Diviners” by Margaret Laurence, illustrating how these devices contribute to the novel’s depth and narrative style.

Metaphor

Example 1:

• Description: The river is often described as the flow of life itself, moving continuously past Morag’s home.
• Explanation: This metaphor connects the river’s constant movement to the flow of human experience, symbolizing the passage of time and the continuity of life.

Example 2:

• Description: Morag’s writing is likened to digging through layers of earth.
• Explanation: This metaphor illustrates the process of writing as an excavation of one’s past and experiences, revealing deeper truths and memories.

Example 3:

• Description: Christie’s stories are depicted as lanterns in the dark.
• Explanation: This metaphor suggests that stories illuminate the past and guide understanding, shedding light on hidden truths and forgotten memories.

Symbolism

Example 1:

• Description: The phoenix, appearing in Morag’s stories, symbolizes rebirth.
• Explanation: It represents Morag’s and other characters’ ability to rise from adversity, emphasizing themes of resilience and renewal.

Example 2:

• Description: The river beside Morag’s home symbolizes life’s continuity.
• Explanation: It reflects the novel’s themes of time, memory, and the link between past and present.

Example 3:

• Description: Divining rods, used for finding water, symbolize the search for hidden truths.
• Explanation: They represent the characters’ quests to uncover and understand their identities and destinies.

Flashback

Example 1:

• Description: Morag’s memories of her childhood in Manawaka.
• Explanation: These flashbacks provide context for her current identity and struggles, linking her past experiences to her present self.

Example 2:

• Description: Recollections of Morag and Jules’s young love.
• Explanation: These moments, revisited through flashbacks, highlight the depth of their connection and the forces that pull them apart and together over the years.

Example 3:

• Description: Christie Logan’s stories of the past.
• Explanation: His reminiscences serve as flashbacks to historical and personal events, enriching the narrative with layers of history and memory.

This detailed examination of literary devices in “The Diviners” demonstrates Margaret Laurence’s masterful use of language and narrative techniques to create a rich, multi-layered story that explores deep themes of identity, belonging, and the power of storytelling. Through metaphor, symbolism, flashback, and other devices, Laurence weaves a compelling narrative that resonates with readers, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences and connections to the past.

The Diviners – FAQs

Q: Who is the protagonist of “The Diviners”?
A: The protagonist of “The Diviners” is Morag Gunn, a middle-aged writer living by a river in rural Ontario. She reflects on her life, weaving together her present experiences with memories of her past in the fictional town of Manawaka, Manitoba.

Q: What are the main themes in “The Diviners”?
A: The main themes include the search for identity, the role of storytelling, land and place, gender roles and feminism, and cultural heritage and racism. These themes explore the complexity of individual and collective identity, the power of stories in shaping our lives, and the deep connections to our heritage and environment.

Q: How does Margaret Laurence use the setting in the novel?
A: Laurence uses the Canadian landscape, particularly the river beside Morag’s home and the fictional town of Manawaka, as a powerful symbol and backdrop. The setting reflects the characters’ inner landscapes and serves as a constant in Morag’s life, symbolizing the flow of life and the continuity of her story.

Q: Can you explain the significance of the title “The Diviners”?
A: The title refers to individuals who divine or seek out water using divining rods, symbolizing the search for what is hidden beneath the surface, whether it be water or personal truths. It metaphorically represents the characters’ quests to uncover and understand their identities, histories, and connections to the land.

Q: What role does storytelling play in the novel?
A: Storytelling is a vital theme, serving as a bridge between past and present, individual and community. It allows characters to connect with their heritage, navigate their identities, and pass on experiences. The novel suggests that storytelling is essential for understanding oneself and one’s place in the world.

Q: How does “The Diviners” address the issue of gender roles?
A: Through the character of Morag Gunn and her life story, the novel challenges traditional gender roles and reflects the feminist concerns of the 1970s. Morag’s independence, career as a writer, and refusal to conform to societal expectations highlight the struggle for women’s autonomy and self-expression.

Q: What is the significance of the river in the novel?
A: The river beside Morag’s home is a recurring symbol for life’s continuity, the passage of time, and the connection between past, present, and future. It represents Morag’s journey and personal growth, symbolizing the flow of life and the continuity of stories across generations.

Quiz

Here’s a multiple-choice quiz designed to test comprehension of “The Diviners” by Margaret Laurence:

1. Who is the protagonist of “The Diviners”?

• A) Christie Logan
• B) Jules Tonnerre
• C) Morag Gunn
• D) Pique

1. What fictional town does Morag Gunn hail from?

• A) Riverview
• B) Manawaka
• C) Wascana
• D) Blackwater

1. What symbolizes life’s continuity and the passage of time in the novel?

• A) The Phoenix
• B) The River
• C) Divining Rods
• D) The Prairie

1. What is a major theme of the novel?

• A) The importance of wealth
• B) The search for identity
• C) The simplicity of rural life
• D) The dangers of technology

1. Who is Christie Logan in relation to Morag?

• A) Her biological father
• B) Her brother
• C) Her foster father
• D) Her uncle

1. What role does storytelling play in “The Diviners”?

• A) A minor plot point
• B) A method of historical documentation
• C) A bridge between past and present
• D) An outdated tradition

1. How does Morag view her relationship with the town of Manawaka?

• A) With indifference
• B) As a place of fond memories
• C) With a love-hate perspective
• D) She has no connection to it

1. What is the significance of the title “The Diviners”?

• A) It refers to those who can predict the future
• B) It symbolizes the search for water or personal truths
• C) It denotes a group of elite scholars
• D) It is the name of a secret society

Answers:

1. C) Morag Gunn
2. B) Manawaka
3. B) The River
4. B) The search for identity
5. C) Her foster father
6. C) A bridge between past and present
7. C) With a love-hate perspective
8. B) It symbolizes the search for water or personal truths

This quiz can help gauge understanding of the novel’s plot, characters, themes, and symbols, providing a fun and engaging way to review “The Diviners.”

Exercise

This exercise is designed to help students identify and understand the use of literary devices in “The Diviners” by Margaret Laurence. Below is a paragraph from the novel followed by a list of literary devices. Your task is to spot the devices used in the paragraph.

---

Paragraph from “The Diviners”:

“In the early morning light, the river appeared as a silky ribbon, winding its way through the valley. Morag listened to the whispering leaves, a testament to the unseen wind’s eternal presence. The old house, with its weathered walls and memories etched in every creak of the floorboard, stood as a sentinel to her past. As she gazed upon the scene, Morag felt the weight of her memories, a mix of joy and sorrow, binding her to this place. The phoenix in her story rose from the ashes, just as she hoped to rise from her own.”

---

Literary Devices to Spot:

1. Metaphor
2. Symbolism
3. Personification
4. Imagery
5. Allusion

---

Answers:

1. Metaphor – The river described as a “silky ribbon” compares the river to a ribbon without using “like” or “as,” suggesting its smooth, flowing nature.
2. Symbolism – The “phoenix” symbolizes rebirth and renewal, representing Morag’s hope for transformation and new beginnings.
3. Personification – The “whispering leaves” attribute human qualities to leaves, suggesting communication and the presence of life in nature.
4. Imagery – Descriptions like “the early morning light,” “a silky ribbon,” and “weathered walls” create vivid images that appeal to the senses.
5. Allusion – Referencing the “phoenix,” a mythical bird that rises from its ashes, alludes to mythology and symbolizes rebirth.

This exercise encourages students to analyze text closely, enhancing their comprehension and appreciation of literary techniques.