The Themes Of Canadian Identity In 'Bone And Bread'

Thesis; themes, such as isolation, survival, loss of a loved one, loneliness, and emotional instability are all connected to what Canadian identity is. Through the loss of parents and close family, two sisters, Beena and Sadhana, have to navigate life while dealing with the loss of their loved ones. Beena becomes pregnant, having to be a single mom, as the biological father leaves her; this is when she begins to get reclusive. Her sister had no means to deal with the emotional trauma, and consequently she develops anorexia. Keeping secrets and always pushing loved ones away, Sadhana never wants help from her sister or uncle, who became their caretaker until they were old enough to handle themselves. Eventually, Sadhana dies from heart failure

Sadhana emotionally isolates herself from her family, and after her death, Beena was left alone with her son and uncle, having to deal with the death of her parents and her sister. This is an inherently Canadian theme because Canadian identity often gives way to the idea of emotional or physical isolation. Canadian landscape is so vast that it often reflects the inner emotions of characters written in this setting. Bone and Bread showcases isolation from the standpoint of the characters. Each character through the novel is influenced by isolation in some way. Quinn, Beena’s son, has no father which makes him feel isolated from the world. Sadhana was driven to anorexia by her isolation and Beena was forced into a reserved lifestyle. “The place is a reliquary now, a storehouse filled nearly to the brim. If clutter really reflects a scattered mind, mine is beyond saving. Haphazard, clogged. Disturbingly fixated on the past” (401 Nawaz). Throughout the book it is noted that Beena consistently reflects about her past due to her isolation; this is all linked to Canadian identity because throughout Canadian literature and a lot of Canadian lives, people experience isolation and are affected by

Throughout the novel Beena and Sadhana’s relationship is consistently strained. This strain comes from their emotional instability stemming from their tragic past. Every action Beena takes to help her sister, Sadhana pushes away; each time causing a greater gap between the two. “With every step, I kicked up sand, no matter how softly I tried to walk. Every pace yielded a sandstorm, an underwater mushroom cloud” (62). This describes how Beena and Sadhana grow apart slowly but steadily, even though they attempt to stay close. This affects Quinn’s emotional stability as well. Watching his mother and aunt grow apart this causes emotional strife not only for the sisters but also for Quinn. He grows unstable and weary of relationships; even his own friendships. This can be contributed to Canadian identity because the experience of intense emotion is seen in Canada by passionate emotions demonstrated by its citizens. While Canadian identity is not focused on the negative like the book is, it is more focused on the positive feelings brought upon by the opportunities available in Canada. Both the book and Canada have intense emotions, whether they are positive or