Essay Questions

How do the protagonists in "Floating Bridge" and "The Bear Came Over the Mountain" confront the inevitability of change as Munro explores aging and mortality?

"Floating Bridge" centers on Jinny, a woman who is grappling with her mortality after undergoing cancer treatment. Her confrontation with change is both physical and emotional. As she waits for her husband Neal while he has an affair with a nurse, she meets Ricky man who takes her on a drive to a floating bridge. This journey symbolizes a transitional moment for Jinny. The literal crossing of the bridge represents her passage from a life dominated by the fear of death to a fleeting experience of vitality. The ephemeral nature of her connection with Ricky stresses the transient beauty of life and the unexpected moments of joy that can emerge even in the face of mortality. Munro uses Jinny's brief encounter to highlight how change can also bring about a deeper appreciation for the present. Meanwhile, "The Bear Came Over the Mountain" explores the relationship between Grant and his wife Fiona—who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. Fiona's progressive memory loss forces Grant to confront the changes in their relationship and his feelings of guilt over past infidelities. Munro depicts the emotional turmoil that comes with watching a loved one slip away into the fog of dementia. Grant's decision to support Fiona's new attachment to another patient, Aubrey, reflects his acceptance of change toward prioritizing Fiona's happiness over his desires.

In what ways do Munro's stories "Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage" and "Nettles" reveal the complexities of romantic relationships in terms of illusion and reality?

This titular short story follows a practical woman who becomes the unwitting subject of a cruel prank. The teenage Sabitha and her friend Edith concoct a series of fake love letters from Sabitha's father, Ken, leading Johanna to believe she is engaged in a budding romance. Johanna's actions highlight the power of illusion in shaping one's reality. She leaves her job and relocates, all on the strength of her belief in a future with Ken. When Johanna arrives at Ken's home, the illusion of their relationship is shattered yet Munro twists this by having Ken accept Johanna. This story emphasizes the thin line between illusion and reality in romantic relationships. On the other hand, "Nettles" explores the rekindling of a past romance between the narrator and her childhood friend, Mike. Their brief reunion stirs up memories and unresolved emotions from their youth. The story is laden with the wistfulness of what could have been as both characters reflect on the paths their lives have taken. The nettles symbolize the painful and persistent memories that shape their perceptions of each other and their relationship. Munro navigates the interplay between the idealized memories of their past and the reality of their present lives.

How do the characters in "Comfort" and "Queenie" navigate the intricacies of personal identity and societal expectations?

"Comfort" centers on Nina as she grapples with the aftermath of her husband Lewis's assisted suicide. Lewis— a high school teacher and staunch atheist—takes his own life to escape the ravages of a debilitating illness. Nina's navigation through her grief is complicated by the societal expectations of the community and the tension between honoring her husband's wishes. Munro portrays Nina's journey as one of quiet resilience and determination. She faces pressure from the religious and social community to conform to their beliefs yet she supports Lewis's right to die on his terms. This story reveals Munro's nuanced understanding of autonomy—Nina's identity is shaped by her love for Lewis and commitment to his autonomy. Meanwhile, "Queenie" tells the story of a young woman who marries an older man and moves away from her family. The protagonist struggles to reconcile her desire for autonomy with the realities of this marriage and the expectations placed upon her by her family. Queenie's journey is marked by a series of choices that reflect her struggle for self-discovery. Her move away from her family is an assertion of independence, but her marriage quickly becomes a new form of constraint. Munro delves into the layers of Queenie's identity, illustrating how her sense of self is constantly evolving as she navigates the societal expectations.