While reading The Shipping News, I found numerous place names to be offensive. Realizing that these names are completely fictional, it worries me that non-Newfoundlanders might believe them to be accurate. Negative connotations of stupidity and desperation, among others, leave a bad taste in this Newfoundlander's mouth. It is very difficult to read about such a diverse, nurturing, and close knit province being described in a horrific manner. Following a just a few examples:
 
 

Desolation

The first image that comes to mind is a barren, murky, uninhabited place of nothingness. A community left behind by the changes in society, technology, and resource. Desperate living conditions immediately spring to mind, resulting to escapism in the form of alcohol and drug abuse, as well as any others one could think of. Clearly, when thinking of this communities' name, the author was predicting this response, thus reinforcing the uninviting and despersate condition of rural Newfoundland. Judging the name alone, a non-Newfoundlander probably would not like to visit the town of Desolation.
 

No Name Cove

Ironically, this community is declaring it's absence of having a name in it's name. Strangely enough No Name Cove has a nam, being No Name Cove. But one has to wonder why the author created this perplexity. For me, it has evoked a curiosity regarding the reason for a community not to have a title. The first , and perhaps most important, question that comes to mind is what makes the town so unacceptable such that it does not deserve a proper name? One can only speculate. Unworthiness is certainly implied  by this town's "No Name" name. The speculation and uncertainty concerning the reason for this title lead only to negative thoughts and images. Thus, another rural Newfoundland community has ben described in an unfavorable light.
 
 

Hell's Rock

Demonic images immediately evolve upon reading or hearing this town's name. Horrific living conditions could be the only explanation for such a terrifying and sadistic title. Surroundings of fire and unbearable heat, in addition to freezing cold temperatures, ice, and dangerous cliffs, are conjured.   These hellish living conditions are uninviting to say the least, resulting in a negative depiction, once again, of rural Newfoundland. An association between hell and death is another logical reason to avoid any community with the word hell in it. One can only assume that an infinite number of tragic mishaps and disasters have occurred to warrant the hellish name.
 
 

Nightmare Isles

Nightmares seem to be a vital and disturbing element of The Shipping News. Numerous mentions are given to the Old Hag, with Quoyle waking abruptly dripping with sweat and fear. With nightmares this bad, there would probably be no reason why a person would willingly go to an island named Nightmare Isles. There must be a reason for giving a community such a disturbing title. Speculation might lead one to conclude the nightmarish living conditions and surroundings, disturbing events that occur, as well as the demonic inhabitants. Clearly, the author predicted a frightened response to this community's name, perhaps with this very intention. One observation, however, would be the reluctance of non-Newfoundlanders to visit this island.

Shag Rock

Illusions of desolation, cliffs, and ruggedness are conjured from the town's title of Shag Rock. Rough terrain must encompass the entire community. This would be a very uninviting, not to mention dangerous place to live year round. Weather in Newfoundland is extremely unpredictable, thus its inhabitants must be very careful and cautious when wandering upon the the ground. If a person not from Newfoundland were to base the decision of visitation upon this community's name, they would probably never visit.
 
 

Half-Wit Pond

Stupidity is the only word that comes to mind when reading the name Half-Wit Pond. The notion of a community filled with airheads, and people whose ages are higher than their I.Q.s offends this Newfoundlander. Proulx's stereotypical depiction of Newfoundlanders is not accurate, nor necessary. We are not all half-wits.

These fictional place names do not accurately depict rural Newfoundland. In addition, they do not provide incentive for non-Newfoundlanders to visit our scenic, and unique province. Newfoundland is, in fact, a beautiful place to live.