In the novel The Shack by William Young, Mackenzie Philips or "Mack" is the character addressed most in the story. Mack is a married to his wife Nan and has three children. In the first chapter, it takes place in where Mack is alone and the weather outside deteriorates. During that time, he discovers a note in his mailbox that states "Mackenzie, It's been a while. I've missed you. I'll be at the shack next weekend if you want to get together. -Papa" Mack becomes upset towards the note and expresses his negative thoughts. Upset and concerned, Mack decides to contact the post office to determine whether or not the postman had left the note. However, he was told that due to the poor weather he couldn't deliver mail to him. In the chapter, his wife Nan calls him to let him know that she'll be staying another night with their kids because of the weather. During the conversation, Mack "chang[es] the subject to avoid (23)" his wife asking questions about the note. My first impression of Mack, is that he's a short tempered person. Even though the note in the mailbox may be significant, he demonstrates his anger towards the note. In fact, what makes it even more obvious is that he calls the post office to determine the sender of the note. However, my impression of him may change overtime because the note may have a personal meaning to him since the note was unclear to the reader. In addition to my first impression, I determined that he may seem like a liar. Instead of telling his wife about the note, he hinders the truth by abruptly changing the topic. In a way it may seem like lying but it's obvious that he's holding something against his wife. This character is definitely relatable, not specifically, but the idea of hindering the truth or an event to a love one. Many in society undergo these dilemmas they believe that hiding the truth will keep the peace in the relationship. However in my opinion, hiding the truth seems like a bad idea. If one were to find out that somebody was holding something against them, they would be more upset with them rather than having them tell them at first. In observance of this chapter, I think Nan (Mack's wife) will eventually find out about the note. Mack may learn that hindering the truth from his wife wasn't be best strategy of handling the situation with the note. Since the note asks Mack to meet in the shack, my assumption is that Mack will undergo an important lesson. This is evident because this novel is based on a Christian theme. Overall, I think Mack will quickly find out the full meaning of the note sent by "Papa"(23).
This is a very good analysis. I like how you brought up the fact that society thinks it's best to lie instead of telling the truth. It's true, it does happen. People lie, but the truth does have a way of rearing its ugly head in the end. Good job on covering that!
ReplyDeleteHey Jonathan,
ReplyDeleteGreat analysis, there is a point I'd like to add though. I feel that the note in Mack's mailbox definitely represents something in his past that he would like to hide. The author really sets up the mood with the gloomy weather, making it immediately clear that the note is not something to be joyful about. What I interpret this note as is something that Mack will continue to neglect, as it symbolizes something in his past that he has not yet overcome mentally. The point about Mack hiding the truth from his wife is definitely important and I too can feel that one day, his wife will find out about the note and will be hurt not because of the note itself, but because Mack had hidden it from her. A different way of seeing Mack's behaviour would be that maybe he is trying to confront this note, this challenge, by himself, since it's on a personal level.
I agree with Francis; the mood created by the weather definitely hints at a dark past. And perhaps the reason Mack hid the existence of the note from his wife was because he didn't want her knowing for fear that she will judge him? I mean most, if not all, people in this world have done things in the past that they'd would rather stay hidden in the past. As for the note, I think this "Papa" person has something to do with Mack's past, and he probably represents Mack's past catching up to him.
ReplyDelete@ Francis and Ray. Thanks for adding this point! This will definitely be beneficial towards my analysis of the story. Mack is obviously hiding something about his past. In addition to the poor weather, it may foreshadow an ominous event that is about to happen. Thanks again for your comment, I appreciate it ;)
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