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George Mason University

The Power of Memory through Object-Metaphors: The Works of Gabrielle Roy

Abstract

This thesis examines the theme of object-metaphors in the works of Gabrielle Roy, specifically how Roy uses these object-metaphors to trigger the memories of the characters in the texts: Bonheur d’occasion, Rue Deschambault, and La Route d’Altamont. Memory is a recurring and important theme in Roy’s works, and throughout the texts, the memories of the characters are stimulated by objects found in daily life. In this thesis, the objects have been classified into the categories of clothing, food, and domestic objects. Upon encountering these objects, both positive and negative memories for the characters Jean Lévesque, Florentine and Rose-Anna Lacasse and Christine are generated. Using primary critics of Gabrielle Roy and drawing on psychoanalytic and memory-based studies, this thesis demonstrates that exposure to these object-metaphors directly impacts the characters’ memories as well as their actions.

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author
  • Canning, Jennifer M

Subjects

dc:subject × 6

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Identifier
hdl:1920/8695
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:MARS:1920/8695

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
George Mason University
Base URL
mars.gmu.edu/server/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-27
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Canning, Jennifer M. The Power of Memory through Object-Metaphors: The Works of Gabrielle Roy. 2014.