This page shares our explanations of selected passages from and references in E. Annie Proulx's novel The Shipping News that relate to our island and its culture and history. As in our pages that offer definitions of concepts and words, in creating these pages we draw on our unique knowledge as Newfoundlanders and present that perspective to you in our pages.

Click on our names to access our explanations of the noted passages.

Krista notes that there are descriptions of the physical geography of the Northern Penninsula in the novel, so she provides additional information and pictures.

Tom reflects on the knot motif of the novel.

Sealing is introduced on page 25.  Sheila FitzPatrick raises the controversy of the seal hunt in response to Quoyle's thoughts about his parentage.

The weather, always a theme of Newfoundland conversations, is referred to in the novel on page 32.

Margaret Power discusses references to Newfoundlanders leaving (p. 33) and loving (p. 29) the island.

Tuckamore is a unique Newfoundland vegetation, mentioned in The Shipping News on page 46.

The "Old Hag" is mentioned twice, on pages 54 and 208, without explanation. Reilly Fitzgerald explains this supernatural experience. Susanna Hogan also shares both information about and her experience with "the hag."

Nicole explains newspaper errors (page 59) and berries (page 191).

Dana Carter scares up some of Newfoundland's myths and legends.

The novel's portrayal of Newfoundlanders' relationship with the sea is discussed with reference to page 64. And personal reflections on the fishery are shared in reference to quotations from pages 64, 65 and 73.

And with Canada, also in reference to page 64.

The reference to sea boils on page 64 inspires J. Watkins to create a page about Newfoundland medicines and cures.

Krista Spurrell also provides pictures and explanations of the shipwreck motif in the novel (pages 80, 167, and so on).

Daina Adams explains ship names from page 83 in an interesting page about naming boats.

Sherry Howell takes exception to the negative references to Newfoundland cuisine on pages 94, 198, and 220 and provides recipes for tastier fare.  Wendy Cunard has excellent cod recipes.

Tasha Reid solves the knot riddle from page 160 of the novel. Tasha has a sound file embedded in her page that the Explorer Internet browser seems to read best.

Resettlement is a theme throughout the novel, including page 163. Another perspective on resettlement is presented by Cathy Sampson.

Sherry Howell explores the pirate motif in the novel, page 171.

On page 208 there's a reference to the slaughter of the Beothuks. Check out our history links for more information.

The abuse issue is discussed in relation to page 218, and alcoholism in relation to pages 13 and 247. These issues are also discussed by Melodie Muise.

According to Jennifer, even Newfoundland parties require some explanation, which she offers in relation to the reference on page 254.

Jo Ann Decker talks about and illustrates the lighthouse motif in the novel (page 257).

Tanya Wolfe discusses superstitions, a theme raised on pages 259 and 265 of The Shipping News.

Fishing is a dangerous occupation, as Dennis describes on page 323. Mike Dinn provides facts about the hazards of a fisher's life. Donna also explores this theme.

Joanne Decker talks about berrying, Newfoundland superstitions and provides some cooked jam recipes.

And icebergs are the theme of these linked pages by Jennifer Gibbons.

Patrick Murphy reflects on icebergs, drowning, and sailing, themes he finds in The Shipping News.

With reference to Billy Pretty's story telling, Margaret Bartlett comments on this aspect of Newfoundland culture.

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