Competition played a significant role in many of the books read during the course of this semester. In Ethel Wilson’s The Innocent Traveller, there is Topaz (Annie’s sister) and Rachel (Annie’s daughter). These two vied Annie’s affection until the day she spoke her final words. Upon hearing the news from Topaz that Annie’s final words were for Rachel she thought, “‘It’s me she asked for…after all these years it was me she wanted…’” (Wilson, 191). Another competition that exists in this novel…short story…whatever you want to call it, is that which exists between Rachel and the housekeeper, Yow. Examples of this are found in their daily activities, one of which is “When Yow lost in the great kindling dispute (he liked to cut it too long for the grates), Aunt Rachel lost in the thick-toast-for-afternoon-tea battle. Each was daily comforted by some small victory” (Wilson, 170).
Competition can be a very good thing, when healthy and non-violent. Competition is spurred by one’s desire for self-betterment and eventual self-actualization. Here in Vancouver, competition has never been a hotter topic than it is now. This is greatly due to the looming 2010 Winter Olympics that will be held in our very own Vancouver and Whistler. The athletes competing in the Olympics will each bring their own cultures as will the throngs of viewers from around the world. Leading up to the big celebrations, the sports fanatics of Vancouver are getting their fair fix of live sporting events. Just last year, Vancouver was host to the World Junior Hockey Championships. Also last year, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC (soccer club) was United Soccer League champions; the BC Lions were Canadian Football League champions; and the Vancouver Giants were Western Hockey League champions. This
summer, Vancouver will be the host of the Under 20 FIFA World Cup of soccer. There is also the annual Vancouver Celebration of Lights (formally the Symphony of Fire, in which three countries each put on a fireworks display in our very own English Bay. Many Vancouverites make the trek down to English Bay Beach or Kitsilano Beach for at least one of the four nights to view the fireworks.Wilson, Ethel. The Innocent Traveller. Toronto: McClelland & Stewart Inc., 1990.
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