This site explores a number of different themes and topics related to E. Annie Proulx's novel. This page introduces pages that fill in gaps in the novel relating to the history and social geography of the island of Newfoundland--the novel's setting.

Tanya Wolfe provides information about the Beothuks, who were early peoples inhabiting the island.

Another page gives a "little of the history that colours Newfoundland."

Michael Dinn offers a telling of Newfoundland history as it relates to the novel.

Karen Goodey describes Newfoundland's confederation with Canada. She also offers an interesting explanation of "outports"--the distinctive rural communities of Newfoundland--like the fictional Quoyle's Point.

Rachel Alexander talks about the distinctive Newfoundland dialects.

Margaret Power reflects on ancestral homes.

Jennifer introduces the pitcher plant, the provincial flower of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Connie Spracklin, with a series of magnificent pictures and interesting poems and quotations reminds us that Proulx ignores an important feature of Newfoundland/Labrador--the Northern lights.

After you have read all or some of these pages, you may want to post a response.

Click here to read the responses to this page.