Analysis
Exploring Robertson Davies' Canadian Identity
Any understanding of Robertson Davies’ literary achievement must begin with acknowledging the significance of his nationality to his art. Canada plays a vitally important role in Davies’ fiction, influencing his intricate portrayal of life in small-town Ontario. His novels often reflect a tension between pride in his country and concern over its provincialism, a theme that threads through his works.
Davies' depiction of early twentieth-century life in small-town Ontario is anything but idealized. He paints a vivid picture of the difficulties and insularity of such communities, as seen in Tempest-Tost, where the squabbling and petty insecurities of the Salterton Little Theatre members offer comedic relief. Despite his satire, Davies also appreciates the charity and neighborliness of small towns, illustrated by his support for Canadian national drama and his nuanced portrayal of small-town life.
Small Towns and the Satirical Eye
Satire is a tool Davies wields with precision, often targeting the provincial attitudes of small Ontario towns. Yet, urban pseudo-sophistication also falls under his satirical gaze, as in What’s Bred in the Bone. Even as he mocks the amateur actors in Tempest-Tost, he acknowledges their admirable goal of bringing Shakespeare to their community. His protagonists, too, are not immune to satire, often portrayed with an ironic lack of self-awareness.
The characters in Davies' novels, such as Mackilwraith in Tempest-Tost, Dunstan Ramsay, and Francis Cornish, are depicted with a satirical edge that highlights their obliviousness to their own roles within the larger narrative. Meanwhile, characters like the wealthy Boy Staunton are depicted as shortsighted and self-deceptive, critiquing the pretensions of the upper classes.
The Arts and Religion in Davies’ Works
Davies' preoccupation with the visual and performing arts is evident throughout his body of work. His lifelong passion for the stage manifests in novels like Tempest-Tost, where he simultaneously satirizes and celebrates the dramatic aspirations of small-town residents. Similarly, Fifth Business touches upon performance art through its exploration of stage magic, while Lyre of Orpheus delves into the complexities of opera creation.
Religion, particularly interdenominational conflict, is another recurring theme in Davies' novels. In Fifth Business, he humorously depicts Presbyterian attitudes toward other denominations. What’s Bred in the Bone explores the challenges of reconciling conflicting religious viewpoints, reflecting Davies’ belief that no single denomination holds all the answers.
Psychology and Mythology
Davies' interest in psychology, particularly the works of Freud and Jung, significantly influences his fiction. Jung's concepts of the collective unconscious and archetypes are prominent in Davies' narratives, especially in Fifth Business. These ideas help Davies explore the cultural and psychological underpinnings of his characters, enriching the thematic depth of his stories.
Archetypes and personal mythology are central to Davies' exploration of identity and self-awareness. Characters like Dunstan Ramsay in Fifth Business and Simon Darcourt in The Lyre of Orpheus navigate their roles within larger mythological or operatic contexts, reflecting Jungian themes of personal and collective unconscious.
Character Studies in Davies’ Novels
Davies’ novels are rich with character studies, each exploring the tension between individual identity and societal expectations. In Tempest-Tost, Hector Mackilwraith’s failed romantic pursuit underscores the folly of relying solely on intellectualism while neglecting emotional fulfillment. The novel The Manticore further explores this theme as David Staunton undergoes Jungian analysis to reconcile his emotions with his intellectual life.
Davies’ characters often undergo journeys of self-discovery, grappling with their myths and identities. This exploration of self-awareness and personal mythology is a recurring motif, driving the character development in his novels and challenging readers to reflect on their own identities.
Insights from "Robertson Davies: Man of Myth"
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(This entire section contains 1213 words.)
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Skelton Grant's biography,Robertson Davies: Man of Myth, offers a comprehensive, albeit sometimes cumbersome, exploration of Davies' life and work. Grant's extensive research provides a wealth of primary material, though her detailed tangents occasionally detract from the focus on Davies' literary contributions.
Despite its shortcomings, Grant's biography is a valuable resource for scholars, offering insights into Davies’ inspirations and the life experiences that informed his writing. Her thorough interviews and research underscore the depth of Davies' engagement with cultural and intellectual themes, making her biography a cornerstone for future explorations of his work.
"Tempest-Tost": A Comedy of Manners
Published in 1951, Tempest-Tost is Davies’ first novel and a reflection of his own experiences with community theater. The story centers around Hector Mackilwraith, a mathematics teacher who auditions for a role in a local production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest and becomes infatuated with a young cast member, Griselda.
The novel navigates through the comedic chaos of amateur theater, highlighting the absurdities of small-town life and the interpersonal dynamics within the Salterton Little Theatre. While Hector’s romantic aspirations prove misguided and humorous, Davies uses the setting to explore broader themes of ambition and social posturing.
"Fifth Business": The Start of the Deptford Trilogy
Published in 1970, Fifth Business is the opening novel of the Deptford Trilogy, marking a significant evolution in Davies’ literary prowess. The story follows Dunstan Ramsay, a history teacher fascinated by saints, as he recounts his life and the events stemming from a childhood incident involving a snowball thrown by Percy Boyd Staunton.
Ramsay’s journey is one of self-discovery and spiritual exploration, intersecting with themes of myth and the supernatural. His interactions with figures like Mary Dempster, whom he considers a saint, and the magician Paul Dempster, illuminate his quest for understanding in a world that blurs the lines between reality and myth.
"What’s Bred in the Bone": Art and Identity
First published in 1985, What’s Bred in the Bone delves into the life of Francis Cornish, a man shaped by various childhood influences and his extraordinary journey as an artist and collector. The novel uses a double frame, adding layers to Cornish's story and exploring his artistic authenticity and identity.
Davies uses Cornish’s life to examine themes of art, forgery, and the influence of familial and cultural heritage. The novel’s intricate narrative structure and exploration of personal mythology provide a rich tapestry of ideas, reflecting Davies’ deep engagement with themes of identity and self-discovery.
The Artistic and Comedic Dimensions of Davies’ Work
Robertson Davies’ novels are characterized by their comedic elements and broad thematic scope. As Davies himself noted, his works are comedies in the broadest sense, incorporating romance, pathos, and the complexities of human nature. This comedic approach allows Davies to explore human frailties and limitations with a light touch.
His novels often blend witty dialogue and slapstick moments with deeper philosophical musings, creating a unique narrative style. The interplay between intellect and emotion, reason and feeling, forms a central tension in his works, driving the characters’ journeys toward self-knowledge and personal fulfillment.
The Legacy of Robertson Davies
The novels of Robertson Davies offer a rich and multifaceted exploration of twentieth-century life, blending the mundane with the cosmic and the comedic with the profound. Through his exploration of Canadian identity, satire, art, religion, and psychology, Davies provides a unique literary voice that continues to resonate with readers.
Davies’ works, with their intricate character studies and thematic depth, remain an essential part of Canadian literature, offering insights into the complexities of identity, culture, and the human experience. His writing, characterized by its wit and erudition, invites readers to engage with the larger questions of life, making his novels enduringly relevant and compelling.
