Formalist: Protagonist and Character Vs
A Formalist Interpretation of Windows by Bernice Morgan Conflict: * Character vs. Character (Leah vs. Ruth) – she feels unwanted by Ruth; unwelcome in her home. She has little respect for Ruth’s lifestyle which is filled with second-hand drama, meaningless shopping – little overall purpose. * Character vs. Self (Leah = old and tired, misses Estonia, misses husband) Protagonist - Leah * Changes throughout story * At the story’s start, she feels at peace, even grateful for the notion of death * When the window breaks at climax, she becomes motivated, has a renewed sense of hope and vigor for life * She is a definitely dynamic character Antagonist – Ruth * Makes little effort to interact with Leah * Doesn’t enjoy her mother-in-law living with her * A possible intrusion of privacy Perspective – 3rd person limited – we know and understand Leah’s thoughts very clearly, but the only insight into Ruth’s thoughts are through Leah’s interpretation of Ruth’s actions. Plot Structure: * Exposition – we are introduced to Leah. Her thoughts are revealed which illustrate the mind of a woman well on in her years, who has accepted (and is welcome to) the concept of death, and as such is reminiscing on her life – the death of her husband, her wrong-doings (her lying throughout her daily life) * Rising action – She enters the kitchen with Ruth, Ruth leaves to run errands, she settles down and reminisces of her years in Estonia and her yearnings to see the parts of Canada which have trees, fields, rolling hills, and rivers (like Estonia) * Climax – Breaking of the kitchen window * Falling action – She commissions the new window which will resemble the one from her childhood in Estonia, she shows interest in the new park being planted next to her house * Conclusion – Leah has a renewed vigor for life – interested in eating sausages, living life to the fullest – planting a garden with her grandchildren in the new park