Evangeline a Tale of Acadie

Evangeline: A Tale of Arcadia material

"Evangeline" Part I

Describe the village of Grand-Pre. What overall impression is given?

The village of Grand-Pre is a kind of Eden, an idyllic place. The village is happy, and filled with simple, rustic people. The people are hard-working but they enjoy their labor and receiving gifts of nature. For example, the "hands of the farmers had raised with labor incessant," dikes that "shut out the turbulent tides;" yet they sometimes let the sea into the fields to water their crops, allowing nature's bounty to enrich their harvest. The streets are filled with simple but beautiful maids and matrons dressed in plain clothes, and everyone is "at peace with God and the world."

What story did the notary public tell to prove the point that justice triumphs in the end?

The notary tells a tale of a nobleman's palace where a necklace of pearls was lost. A maid was blamed and condemned to die on the scaffold by the courts, but as her spirit came to God, God sent down a bolt of lightening and struck the bronze statue of justice. The image of justice shattered: "Down on the pavement below the clattering scales of the balance." In the hollow of the scales of justice there was a nest where a magpie had stored the necklace of pearls, revealing the true 'criminal' and showing the people the evilness of their deed, and the fact that the only truly just judge is God.

How were the villagers informed of their deportation? What role did Father Felician play among the people?

The commander informs the town that the King has laid claim to the townspeople's lands, homes, and livestock, and that they are to be forcibly removed to other territories. They are declared prisoners of the soldiers. The commander says the task is painful for him but he must obey his orders. Father Felician acts as a peacemaker, preventing violence. Father Felician shames people like Basil who wish to react with violence by using Christian rhetoric: "Have you so soon forgotten all lessons of love and forgiveness? This is the house of the Prince of Peace, and would you profane it / Thus with violent deeds and hearts overflowing with hatred?"

Contrast the early morning festivities on the day of Evangeline's betrothal celebration with the latter events of the day. How do the contrasting moods help make the poem more effective?

The poem begins with the poet painting pictures in words of the peacefulness of the village, and depicting their excitement on the day of Evangeline's betrothal. The people seem simple and joyful, and the only ominous note is the fable about justice. Evangeline's beauty, the simple playfulness of the village on a day of rest, and the sense of fun and timeless joy of Arcadia is contrasted with the entry of something timely, namely the news of the deportation that comes like a drumbeat of terror with the march of the soldiers.

How are Evangeline and Gabriel parted? Describe their final moments together in Arcadia.