No Great Mischief

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999

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Essay Topics

Catherine suggests that memories are real, tangible objects, just like mountains and stones: “‘Scarcely a trace anymore,’ said my sister, ‘except the river and the mountains and the stones and their memories’” (81). Examine the ways in which the heaviness of memories weighs on individuals in the text.

Dogs are a constant presence throughout the history of the clann Chalum Ruaidh. How do the characters share the qualities of the dogs, and how do the dogs reflect the qualities (and the failings) of their owners?

Cape Breton is the home of clann Chalum Ruaidh. Examine the imagery used to describe the location in the novel, particularly with regard to the natural features of the landscape.

Calum MacDonald is a tragic hero. To what extent do you agree with this statement? Provide examples of the ways in which Calum adheres to the archetype of the tragic hero, as well as ways in which he does not.

The Gaelic language is ever-present in No Great Mischief. How does the text treat the interplay between Gaelic and English, and what is the author trying to suggest by including lines in both languages?

Several of the white characters in this novel believe that their neighbors have gone too far in their exclusion and violence towards black men. Consider Dr. Price and Ellis: why can’t they state their opinions openly? What actions do they take—or refuse to take—when they see racism in action? How does this novel judge their characters?

Explore the ways in which the switch between present and past tense affects the narrative.

Alex’s grandfathers are notably different. However, they maintain a close relationship throughout the book. In what ways are they similar, and how do their characteristics influence the development of Alex as a character?

Alex’s Grandma dies at the age of 110. By this time, she has become lost in a world of memories. What effect does her descent into dementia have on the history and memories as the text portrays them?

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The family’s history intertwines with Scottish and Canadian history. What examples can you find of instances where real politics and events intersect with the narrative? What effect do these instances have on the development of the characters?