Essay Questions

Who or what are the antagonists in the novel?

Apart from the tyrannical Stalinist regime and the equally evil Stefan the very environment of Canada may be treated as an antagonist. The land, on several occasions, proves to be every bit inimical to the couple trying to work it. Barren, cold, and rocky, it does not easily yield its produce without a terrible struggle with Teo and Maria first. The seasons and the climate also seem to be working in tandem with soil to thwart their dreams of agricultural success with winters being long and harsh, and storms and rain being largely capricious.

What does Stefan symbolize in the novel?

The greedy, self-centered Stefan is the embodiment of systemic corruption that lingers on even after a regime changes. He proof that even if governance changes hands, so long as there are remnants of the old, evil methods of leading such as oppression and bullying there can be no real change.

What is the significance of the novel’s title?

The seemingly endless expanse of sky that is above the equally vast tracts of unclaimed land are symbolic of the promise of great potential and opportunity change and improve. Wide open spaces under the broad expanse of sky free it is symbolic of the promise of redemption and a new life from persecution especially for migrants like Teodor and Maria who had escaped oppressive regimes.