May 29 2025 'Identities' by WD Valgardson

 Silent Read. 20 min 12:40 

Identities by WD Valgardson

Copy of Written Piece 


Who is W.D. Valgardson?  He is a Canadian writer best known for his short stories, novels, and poetry that often explore themes of isolation, identity, and cultural conflict, particularly within Icelandic-Canadian communities.

Who Was W.D. Valgardson?

Full Name: William Dempsey Valgardson
Born: 1939, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Heritage: Icelandic-Canadian
Profession: Writer and professor (University of Victoria)

Why Is He Important?

Valgardson is best known for his short stories, many of which feature ordinary people in small towns who face unexpected or ironic situations. His work often blends realism with a subtle sense of the unsettling or mysterious, a style sometimes described as "domestic surrealism."

Themes in His Writing:

  • Cultural heritage: He often writes about Icelandic immigrants in Canada, especially in rural Manitoba.

  • Isolation: Both physical (remote towns) and emotional (alienation, loneliness).

  • Moral ambiguity: His stories often end without a clear resolution, leaving readers to question what’s right or wrong.

  • Stereotypes and identity: He explores how people are judged or treated based on appearances or assumptions.

Famous Works:

  • Short Story: "Identities" – 

  • Novel: Gentle Sinners – about a young man's struggle with violence and conscience.


Question:

“Have you ever been misjudged based on your appearance or where you were?”

Quick think-pair-share. 

“Today, we’ll explore how assumptions and identity shape a person’s story—and how they can be a powerful tool for writers.”

2. Review "Identities" (10–15 mins)

  • Shared read-aloud (Audio Reading Above) 

  • TASK: Underline or note:

    • Any moments where assumptions are made

    • Key descriptive passages revealing character or setting

    • Their emotional reactions to the ending

3. Small Group Discussion (15–20 mins)

In groups of 3–4, assign discussion questions:

  • What clues are we given about the man’s identity, and how do they influence your perception of him?

  • How does Valgardson use contrast between neighbourhoods to develop theme?

  • How would the story change if told from the police officer’s point of view?

  • What do you think the author wants us to take away from the ending? Is it effective? Why or why not?

  • Where do you see bias—both personal and societal—at work in the story?



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Monday Oct 21 2024 TTOC Creative Writing 11 Into the Wild Ch 4 & 5

Attendance - located in the brown binder bottom left of teacher desk - please return to drawer once attendance is complete. Please send your EA and or student to the office with any absences (post it note)  NOTE: Please send ALL class notes to me post class completion via email so that I am aware of how much was completed of the lesson below. Thanks in advance. ahathorn@sd19.bc.ca Silent Read - Students personal books 20 min Ch 4 -TTOC read aloud & provide students with vocab after.  Students to use dictionaries at the side of the classroom under windows to define the below. Due by next class. If time - review definitions prior to departure. If not - please let me know in TTOC notes. Chapter 4 Vocabulary Cynical Trepidation Rancor Sanctimonious Skepticism Ideologue Prosaic Chapter 5 Vocabulary - for next class after Ch 5 read - next class.  Contemplation Ruminating Intrepid Insatiable Oblivion Ascendance
Read more

Into the Wild Chapter 2 & 3 & Vocab

Silent Read 20 min - (H - Ch 4/5 Quiz 8). Review of Ch 1 Vocab Into the Wild. - last day.  Chapter 2 & 3 Audio Book. Chapter 2 and 3 Vocab. - Time to complete & review. Quiz next week - Oct 16th - Wednesday. Vocab Ch 1-3 Vocabulary List Chapter 2: Meander Conundrum Ambivalence Lethargy Ascetic Derelict Ineffable Vagrant Enigmatic Altruism Chapter 3: Epiphany Burgeoning Contradiction Disenchantment Nomadic Obscured Precarious Self-reliance Reclusive Introspection Chapter 2 Vocabulary Meander - To move aimlessly or without a fixed course; to wander. Conundrum - A confusing and difficult problem or question; a riddle. Ambivalence - The state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideas about something or someone. Lethargy - A lack of energy and enthusiasm; sluggishness. Ascetic - Characterized by severe self-discipline and avoidance of all forms of indulgence, typically for religious reasons. Derelict - In a very poor condition due to disuse and neglect; a social misf...
Read more

Nov 28 2024 & Dec 2 2024 Into the Wild Timeline Project

Attendance - located in the brown binder - lower left drawer teacher desk - please send EA with list of any absences to the front office. Silent Read 20 min - students have their own personal novels for this. Next: Into the Wild Timeline Project  Lesson Objectives: By the end of this lesson, students will be able to: Understand the structure  of  Into the Wild  (non-linear narrative) and how the author uses flashbacks and varying timelines. Create a visual timeline  of key events from Chapters 1-9. Students be sure to leave space for future chapter timeline entries please. Write creatively  in the style of  Into the Wild , incorporating non-linear techniques to tell a part of the story. Analyze  how McCandless’s journey is depicted through various time periods and how his life unfolds. Materials Needed: Whiteboard and markers (for group brainstorming) on boards if required. Chart paper - located by teacher desk - under windows. Markers - you can s...
Read more