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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 3 page essay that examines Robertson Davies' novel Fifth Business (1970). The writer argues that, in this novel, the principal theme of a man's search for himself is set against the backdrop of the theme of spirituality versus materialism. An examination of these two themes shows that they are intrinsically intertwined in this complex and deeply psychological narrative, which explores the complexity of personality, as it shows how the protagonist Dunstan Ramsay, learns to relate to the world. Ramsay chooses spirituality, and, in so doing, finds the keys to knowing his true self. Bibliography lists 4 sources.
Page Count:
3 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khdavfif.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
An examination of these two themes shows that they are intrinsically intertwined in this complex and deeply psychological narrative, which explores the complexity of personality, as it shows how the
protagonist Dunstan Ramsay, learns to relate to the world. Ramsay chooses spirituality, and, in so doing, finds the keys to knowing his true self. The novel begins with Ramsay
recounting an incident that occurred when he was ten years old. He was sledding with his "lifelong long friend and enemy Pergy Boyd Staunton" who is later known as "Boy"
(Davies, 1970, p.3). The boys quarrel and Staunton throws a snowball at Ramsay that has a rock in it. Ramsay sidesteps, avoiding the snowball, but -- having first positioned himself
near the Baptist minister and his wife --the snowball hits Mary Dempster in the back of the head. The injury brings on the birth of her baby and Paul Dempster
is born severely premature. Mary never fully recovers her wits, but remains simple-minded, yet still retaining a sweetness of soul that only deeps with her experience. Peterman (1987) points
out that the materialistic world is represented by "Boy" Staunton, whose family is rich but who also devotes his life to accumulating material possessions. Additionally, the Presbyterian, pioneer-stock background of
Ramsays family is more materially oriented than spiritually. The religious/spiritual side of life is represented by Mary Dempster, as she comes to represent "something outside" the experience of the
"stolid and unimaginative" townspeople (Monk, 1982, p. 84). Because of this the townspeople eventually fear her as they fear any unknown factor. For them, the unknown includes all
the various manifestations of the transcendent -- both "magic and madness" (Monk, 1982, p. 84). It is this transcendental side of life, the life not seen that Davies values and
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