Introduction
Thomas King’s Borders is a novel that explores the concept of physical and metaphorical borders and how these borders can affect how people perceive and interact with one another. The novel Borders by Thomas King explores racism, identity, and the idea of borders. Set in Canada, this novel follows three characters, two Native Americans and one white, as they cross the U.S.-Canadian border. Through language, description, and symbolism, King explores the theme of racism and how borders affect and perpetuate it (Rice 225). The novel begins with the two Native American characters, Charlie and Thomas, crossing the U.S.-Canadian border and arriving in Canada.
King immediately establishes the idea of borders and how they can serve as physical and symbolic symbols of division and racism. The characters’ crossing of the border is symbolic of their struggle to escape the racism they face in the United States, but it also shows how borders can be a source of division and discrimination. Throughout the novel, King employs language to illustrate the racism and prejudice that the characters experience. He uses vocabulary to demonstrate the disparity between the Native American and white characters while highlighting the subtle but pervasive racism of the Canadian border guards.
The concept of borders and their effects on racism is explored deeply throughout the novel. Through the characters’ experiences, King demonstrates how the idea of borders can be used to control and oppress those who cannot easily traverse them. He also addresses how borders can be used to create divisions between different populations and perpetuate racism. In Borders, Thomas King uses language, description, and symbolism to explore racism, identity, and the idea of borders. Through his characters’ experiences, King illustrates the effects of racism and how borders can be used to create and perpetuate racism.
This novel is an example of how literature can be used to explore issues of racism and identity and to challenge the idea of borders. By exploring these issues in a compelling story, King demonstrates how literature can challenge the status quo and create understanding and empathy for those who experience racism. Borders is a powerful exploration of racism and identity, and how borders can be a physical and metaphorical dividing line.
The Language Used to Describe Racism in the Novel
One of the primary themes in Thomas King’s Borders is racism. In the novel, racism is a pervasive force affecting Indigenous people’s lives in Canada and the United States. King employs language to convey this theme, primarily by depicting the characters’ interactions.
For example, when the protagonist, Charlie, meets a border guard named Dorothy, King describes her as “the kind of person who would look at you and make assumptions based on the color of your skin.” This line reflects the reality that Indigenous people are often judged and treated differently based solely on their race (Mostafa 140). King’s use of language in this scene also emphasizes the power of racism and its pervasive presence in the lives of Indigenous people.
Throughout the novel, King uses language to comment on the power dynamics between Indigenous people and the Canadian and US governments. For example, when Charlie and his friend Joe encounter the US border guards, Joe uses sarcastic and mocking language to express his anger and frustration at the guards’ power over them. This serves to illustrate the imbalance of power between Indigenous people and governments. In addition, King’s use of language reflects the power of language itself, as it is often used to oppress and silence Indigenous people.
Another theme explored in Borders is identity. In the novel, Charlie constantly struggles with his identity as an Indigenous Canadian. King uses language to reflect this theme, particularly in describing Charlie’s internal struggles. For example, at one point in the novel, Charlie reflects on his identity and wonders if he is “a Canadian or an Indian.” This line demonstrates Charlie’s struggles reconciling his Indigenous heritage with his Canadian citizenship. King’s use of language in this scene also emphasizes the complexity and difficulty of navigating multiple identities.
Through his use of language in Borders, Thomas King conveys powerful messages about racism, power, and identity. One can better understand the novel’s messages by examining how King uses vocabulary to explore these themes. In particular, King’s use of language reflects the power of racism and the difficulty of navigating multiple identities. Through these themes, King encourages readers to consider Indigenous people’s struggles in Canada and the United States. Ultimately, Borders is a powerful and thought-provoking novel highlighting the importance of language in conveying important messages.
Descriptions Exploring Racism in the Novel
Thomas King’s book Borders explores racism in a subtle yet powerful way. He presents racism not as a single issue but as an interconnected web of beliefs, attitudes, and experiences that shape the characters’ lives. Through his feelings and experiences, King reveals how racism can be insidious and pervasive yet often unrecognized.
The main characters in Borders, Thomas, and Maria, are Native American and Mexican. They are both victims of racism and discrimination, yet they respond differently. Thomas is outwardly defiant and defiantly proud of his heritage despite the racism he faces, while Maria is more passive and resigned to her fate. In doing so, she becomes a victim of racism yet cannot recognize it in her own life.
The other characters in Borders also reveal how racism impacts them. One of the most potent examples of racism in Borders is the character of Edward, a Native American soldier. Edward constantly struggles with his identity and place in the world (Abdulaal 85). He is caught between two cultures, struggling to find his place in the world. Edward is a prime example of the power of racism to shape one’s life and identity.
Thomas and Maria’s relationship also reveals how racism can affect relationships between people. Thomas is openly defiant of the racism he faces, whereas Maria often chooses to remain silent. As a result, their relationship is constantly strained by the racism they face.
In Borders, King explores the subtle yet profound effects of racism on individuals and society. He reveals how racism can be challenging to recognize, yet can profoundly impact individuals and relationships. He also shows how racism is often hidden and unrecognized, yet still has a powerful effect on individuals and relationships. King’s exploration of racism in Borders sheds light on how racism can shape and affect individuals, relationships, and society.
Through Thomas King’s depiction of racism in Borders, readers can better understand the issue and its effects. King’s examination of racism gives readers a close insight into how it impacts individuals and society. By providing readers with an intimate look at racism, King can illuminate how racism is an issue that cannot be ignored. Borders by Thomas King is a powerful exploration of racism and its effects. Through his characters and their experiences, King reveals how racism can be pervasive yet often unrecognized.
By exploring the complexities of racism, King can provide readers with an intimate look at the effects of racism on individuals and society as a whole. Through his exploration of racism, King sheds light on how racism is an issue that cannot be ignored. By exploring racism in Borders, King can give readers an in-depth look at the issue and its effects.
How the Idea of Borders Affects Racism
The novel Borders, written by Thomas King, is filled with themes of racism and the idea of borders. The story follows the lives of two Native American sisters, Annie and Emmeline, as they travel from their home in Canada to the United States in search of a better life. Along the way, they confront numerous obstacles and experiences that reflect the racism and prejudice directed toward Native Americans.
King uses this story to explore the idea of borders and how they affect racism in modern society. The idea of borders is introduced early in the novel, as the sisters’ journey to the United States is hindered by the need to cross the border (McKibben 200). The border is a physical manifestation of the racism and fear of “the other” in society. In the novel, the border is a barrier between the two countries, the sisters, and the people they meet.
When the sisters cross the border, they find themselves in a world of prejudice and discrimination. The people they meet, whether Native Americans or not, view them as outsiders and treat them as such. Even when the sisters are in the presence of people who appear sympathetic to their plight, they are subject to racism. This is best exemplified when they visit the home of the pastor’s family, who seem to be welcoming and accepting of the sisters. However, when the pastor’s daughter makes an overture of friendship, she is immediately rebuked by her father, who clarifies that the sisters are not welcome in his home.
The theme of racism is further explored in the novel through the characters of Annie and Emmeline. Throughout their journey, they face numerous instances of racism and discrimination, from the pastor’s family to the people they meet in the United States. Despite the racism they encounter, the sisters remain determined to find a better life for themselves. As the novel progresses, Annie and Emmeline become increasingly aware of the racism and prejudice in the world around them.
The novel also explores the issue of borders. As they travel from one place to another, the sisters are constantly reminded of the borders between countries and cultures. This highlights the power of borders and how they can shape and define one’s life. In addition, the walls emphasize racism and prejudice in the world, as the sisters are often treated differently based on which side of the border they are on.
The influence of borders and racism is further illustrated through the character of Annie. Throughout the novel, she becomes more conscious of the prejudice and discrimination present in society. While she strives to overcome the challenges before her, she also recognizes the pervasive power of racism and its ability to shape and define a person’s life. This underscores how racism can impact and express itself in an individual’s life, even when they appear strong or resilient.
The novel highlights the power of racism and how it can shape and define one’s life, as well as the control of borders and how they can influence one’s life. By exploring these themes, King can provide a thought-provoking look at racism and borders in modern society. The novel Borders, by Thomas King, provides an insightful look at racism and the idea of borders in modern society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Thomas King’s novel Borders explores racism in various ways. Through language, King creates a vivid picture of the damage caused by racism and how it affects people’s lives. He also uses the idea of borders to represent the physical and metaphorical divisions caused by racism. King’s novel is a powerful reminder of the need to fight racism and other forms of discrimination in society. By exploring the impact of racism and borders in his novel, King provides readers with a unique view of the world and an opportunity to reflect on the importance of understanding and respecting the perspectives of those around them.
The novel Borders by Thomas King is a powerful reminder of society’s need to continue striving for a more just and equitable society (Roberts 70). Through language and the idea of borders, King explores the complex effects of racism on individuals and communities. By examining how racism affects both the physical and psychological boundaries of people’s lives, King encourages readers to think critically about how racism can divide them and how they can work together to create a more inclusive and equitable world.
This paper has examined how Thomas King’s novel Borders addresses racism from multiple angles. It has analyzed the language King employs to depict racism, the ways he illustrates it through various descriptions, and the influence of borders on racial dynamics. By highlighting the interplay between racism and borders, King offers readers a distinct perspective on the world and encourages reflection on the significance of understanding and respecting others’ experiences. This paper demonstrates the powerful impact of Thomas King’s Borders and the importance of striving for a more just and equitable society.
Works Cited
Abdulaal, Lamiaa Hassan. “It is no Longer Possible to Go Back Home: Crossing Borders and Liminal Space in Thomas King’s “Borders”.” Cairo Studies in English 2021.1 (2021): 81-94. Web.
McKibben, W. Bradley, Lindsey K. Umstead, and L. DiAnne Borders. “Identifying dynamics of counseling leadership: A content analysis study.” Journal of Counseling & Development 95.2 (2017): 192-202. Web.
Mostafa, Doaa Sayed Abdel Azim Mostafa. “Resisting Borders in Thomas King’s.” Egyptian Journal of English Language and Literature Studies 8.1 (2017): 127-152. Web.
Rice, Carla, and Ingrid Mündel. “Story‐making as methodology: Disrupting dominant stories through multimedia storytelling.” Canadian Review of Sociology/Revue canadienne de sociologie 55.2 (2018): 211-231. Web.
Roberts, Katherine. “”The Taste of Wet Steel”: Bordertown Masculinities in Craig Davidson’s Cataract City.” Studies in Canadian Literature/Études en littérature canadienne 42.2 (2017): 66-90. Web.