Explication

The loss of loved ones is one of Polti’s Thirty-Six Dramatic Situations. This theme is exhibited in the book Crow Lake by Mary Lawson.
Seven year old Kate Morrison is heavily affected by the death of her parents and the somewhat turbulent childhood she experiences because of it. Kate believes that she “was protected from the reality by disbelief.”(Lawson 31). This defense mechanism is carried by Kate throughout her life into her adulthood. Unfortunately, Kate experiences the loss of loved ones in two very painful ways as a child. Firstly, she experiences the death of her parents, and secondly she experiences, as she sees it, the diminish of the brother she knows and believes in. The death of Kate's parents and the loss of her belief in her brother affects the way Kate is able to live her life as an adult. Kate reflects that, “I had never thought that I would really love anyone... To be honest I had thought that such intensity of feeling was beyond me.”(Lawson 89). From her past, Kate unconsciously feels like allowing herself to love someone is too dangerous, because they are likely to disappear. When Kate meets Daniel she narrates, ‘I did not analyze my feelings too deeply, or let myself agonize about this, maybe because I was afraid that if I found I loved and needed him too much, he would be bound to disappear... People I love and need have a habit of disappearing from my life. For the same reason, I did not let myself think too much about the future- our future. I just hoped for the best.”(Lawson 89). Kate is trying to live with her eyes closed, a coping mechanism she began when she was faced with her childhood tragedy. So scared of having to deal with anymore disappointment and grief, Kate tries not to get too emotionally involved with people. However, her boyfriend Daniel can sense this and is concerned that Kate only ever wants to talk about work, and that their relationship will never be able to become anything deeper. Kate puts so much effort into her work because working is easy, there are no strings attached, and no chance of getting hurt like there is in love. Biology also holds memories for Kate of her and Matt and the ponds. On some level Kate probably feels like her work is helping her to connect with Matt. Kate has lost faith in the people she loved and respected as a child, and will not risk such a large disappointment being repeated. Kate feels that it would be better not to love anyone then to get hurt so badly again. Daniel ruins her plan. No longer can she run and hide from her feelings. Kate sees that she will never be enough for Daniel if she doesn't resolve her issues with Matt. Kate must finally stop ignoring her feelings and being afraid of what might happen. The tragic loss of the people she loved the most as a child, continues to affect Kate through adulthood. Crow Lake explores the painful and drawn-out grieving process that losing your loved-ones requires you to deal with. The book is set up to effectively show the characters from children to adults, and how the effects of their tragedy continue to affect the people they have become in adulthood. This is true for Kate, and for Luke as well.
Luke, because he is older, must face these challenges faster. Luke was clearly changed a lot by the loss of his parents. Kate recalls his behaviour changing incredibly when their parents die. The accident causes Luke to grow up fast, and to discover his true self. Luke does not get to go off to school and figure out who he is and what he wants. Luke certainly seems to want to put his siblings first, and seems to develop a very close attachment with Bo. Luke knows that Bo needs him, but he does not necessarily realize how much he needs Bo. Bo is someone who is completely dependent on Luke, and Luke needs to know that he is needed and can make someone happy.
Crow Lake explores Kate and her siblings coming to terms with the loss of their loved ones. It is the loss of their loved ones that motivates their characters ideals and emotions throughout the entire plot.