The Stone Diaries

by Carol Shields

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Themes: Subjectivity and Multiple Perspectives

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The Stone Diaries explores the life of an ordinary woman, giving it form and meaning, much like how we find significance in our everyday experiences. We don't just hear Daisy's voice; Shields introduces a variety of perspectives that sometimes conflict with each other. She is keen on exploring how our personal stories can differ from others' versions of the same events. The focus isn't on correcting misunderstandings or filling in gaps left by others, but on appreciating these differences. Just as we continuously revise our memories and view them through our unique lenses, Daisy's narrative is inherently subjective, omitting important parts of her life. In a 1995 interview, Shields observed, "When I read back over my manuscript, I noticed that Daisy had somehow skipped over her experiences with childbirth, sexual initiation, and education. But that's how life stories are. It's like ending up with a boxful of snapshots. They may not be the best ones, but they're the ones you have."

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Themes: Everyday Life as a Valuable Subject

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Themes: Evasion and Self-Deception

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