Az Eszterházy Károly Tanárképző Főiskola Tudományos Közleményei. 1994. [Vol. 2.] Eger Journal of American Studies. (Acta Academiae Paedagogicae Agriensis : Nova series ; Tom. 22)
STUDIES - Judit Molnár: Search for Identity in the English-language Writing of Allophone Quebecers
They are fully aware of what their parents gave up for them, but at times their own sense of loss, of belonging to neither the Old World nor to the New, is so strong that they are not the least bit grateful for what was done on their behalf without their consent (1992: 209) Nina feels that her body is also constantly being violated. Brute violance is present in some of Raymond Filip's pieces as well, but there it is experienced both by men and women and among the oppressed groups of the society. Past, present and future are interwoven in a refined way through pointing out the relevant differences of the immigrant experience according to generations. To exist consciously in the continuum of time is a particular challenge for immigrants as it is proved by Nina's confused state of mind when on returning to the past for survival strategies she remembers ironically enough the "Italian motto: Never look back" (72). The difficulty of handing down experiences by one generation to another is elaborated on in 'Allophone' by Raymond Filip, too. Tamara J. Palmer has a valid point in this regard: ... this Fiction of Ethnicity is not only a reflection of profound dislocation and ambivalence, but also a vehicle for bridging the gap between past, prsent and future —a gap that is at the centre of the unavoidable stress involved in immigration and eventual adaptation. (1990: 93) While fictionalizing the complex nature of the immigrant experience both Raymond Filip and Mary Melii reach beyond the limiting forces of marginality, however. Each work has a final optimistic ring to it suggesting the promotion of ethnic tolerance. After serious confrontations with God and the rules dictated by the Catholic church, Nina says "thank you" (181) and makes peace with her God: 105
