The Loons Paragraphs

Margaret Laurence’s short story, “The Loons” is set in the small Canadian town of Manawaka and the nearby Diamond Lake. Both the town and its inhabitants are fictional, however the stories told and prejudices present are not. In a way, Margaret Laurence’s tale is a reflection on aspects of both historical and modern Canadian society.

This story is narrated by the somewhat naïve Vanessa MacLeod, who is reflecting on the experiences and memories she had as a child. In particular, she remembers the relationship she had with a young Métis woman, Piquette Tonnerre. Piquette’s story is not uncommon; perhaps it is because of this that it is so striking. Diagnosed with bone tuberculosis at a young age and feeling responsible for taking care of her family, she was never a child. She stays with Vanessa and her family one summer and Vanessa is overjoyed to learn that there is an actual Métis girl living with them. She can’t wait for Piquette to start exploring the forest paths with her, talking with animals, and reciting poetry. In actuality, Piquette’s character is different both from the stereotypes people in the town have expressed about her family, and the idea of who she is Vanessa has expressed. Many of the circumstances she faces are tragic and when Vanessa next sees her, she has found a new hope of being free. Yet Piquette’s story is both tragic and impactful because in the end, this hope is never achieved and she returns to the life she has lived in for so long, eventually dying in the circumstances she faced as a child. As she sits by the lake, Vanessa realizes that Piquette is like the loons she has seen.