The Greenlanders Essay
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The Greenlanders
Jane Smiley's The Greenlanders has a theme of decline throughout its story. The decline of a society is something that has happened before, something that will probably happen again, and something that some people would argue is happening right now. This book describes it happening in Greenland during the 14th century, during the lives of the two main characters, Gunnar Asgeirsson and Margret Asgeirsdottir. The decline of a society is usually equal parts perception and reality; there are plenty of actual problems, but at the same time there are a bunch of people simply whining about "the good old days."
At the beginning of the story, things seem well for most Greenlanders. The weather has been fairly mild, allowing for the livestock to remain healthy during the winter. A trading ship arrives with plenty of goods for trade, and with news of a horrible disease ravaging Europe that the Greenlanders have managed to avoid. And the skraelings, a barbarous tribe to the north, haven't been seen lately. Life is especially good for the family of Asgeir Gunnarsson, who is the father of Gunnar and Margret. "His homefield was nearly as large as the homefield at Gardar, where the absent bishop had his seat, and he had another large field as well." His animals are all in good shape, and breeding very well. He is regarded as one of the most successful farmers in the settlement.
The Greenlanders are all fairly optimistic, especially at the news of the arrival of Bishop Alf. Greenland has been without a bishop for many years, and the Greenlanders feel that a little bit of God's attention will bring them more good luck. It doesn't work out that way though. The new Bishop and his priests are Norwegians who aren't that familiar with how the Greenlanders live. The Greenlanders are soon distressed about the increased tithes they're paying and the church involvement in local disputes. The new officials use fear and...
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