WORK
Work helps to provide survival and meaning to everyday life. Many Franco-American women have had to survive tremendous challenges and difficulties. Life in the mill towns could be extremely difficult for families who emigrated from farther north. For many of the characters that we read about work is an important source of pride as well as individual definition.
| Annette: Lee Nadeau-Single. Throughout this story the main character has to learn how to work and survive both independently and in a foreign culture. She has the responsibility of raising young children as well as taking care of herself. This book illustrates some of the difficulties that early pioneer women had to face. |
| My Mother's Walls: Lanette Landry Petrie. Throughout her research of interpreting her mother's walls, Petrie describes a family that is rooted in the importance of work. In her introductions of each family member the author takes the time to include what their profession is. Work is not only an important factor of self-identity, but a source of family pride as well. |
| Shadows on the Rock: Willa Cather. Though work is not the main focus of this novel, in a secondhand way it illustrates the complexities that exist within early communities in New France. The apothecary and his daughter both play important roles in the society of the Quebec settlement. The daughter is required to learn the skills she needs to take care of the house at a very young age. Not only does she carry these responsibilities, but she helps others in the community as well. |
| Canuck: Camille Lessard-Bissonnette. This story provides a picture of what life may have been like in the mill towns of New England. Work plays an integral role of life in these towns. In fact, work seems to be the foundation of everyday life. This novel also shows how everyone in the family, despite age or health, is required to pitch in and do their part. |
