Nov 13 2025 Double Block: Identities by WD Valgardson
Attendance
Silent Read Personal Novel Read Books. 20 min
Reminder for students 0 Unreliable Narrator Pieces - Teams - updated deadline - this Friday FYI.
Next piece - Short Stories - hand out
Copy of Written Piece - Identities by WD Valgardson. Copies at the front of the room
Identities by WD Valgardson 6 min
After completion of the viewing/listening of the piece - students to take the following notes in yellow.
Who is W.D. Valgardson? He is a Canadian writer best known for his short stories, novels, and poetry that often explore themes of isolation, identity, and cultural conflict, particularly within Icelandic-Canadian communities.
Who Was W.D. Valgardson?
Full Name: William Dempsey Valgardson
Born: 1939, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Heritage: Icelandic-Canadian
Profession: Writer and professor (University of Victoria)
Why Is He Important?
Valgardson is best known for his short stories, many of which feature ordinary people in small towns who face unexpected or ironic situations. His work often blends realism with a subtle sense of the unsettling or mysterious, a style sometimes described as "domestic surrealism."
Themes in His Writing:
Cultural heritage: He often writes about Icelandic immigrants in Canada, especially in rural Manitoba.
Isolation: Both physical (remote towns) and emotional (alienation, loneliness).
Moral ambiguity: His stories often end without a clear resolution, leaving readers to question what’s right or wrong.
Stereotypes and identity: He explores how people are judged or treated based on appearances or assumptions.
Famous Works:
Short Story: "Identities" –
Novel: Gentle Sinners – about a young man's struggle with violence and conscience.
Teacher Question To Class:
“Have you ever been misjudged based on your appearance or where you were?”
Quick think-pair-share below:
“Today, we’ll explore how assumptions and identity shape a person’s story—and how they can be a powerful tool for writers.”
2. Re-Review "Identities" piece (15-20 mins)
Shared read-aloud.
Students To Get Into Pairs: TASK: Underline or note:
Any moments where assumptions are made
Key descriptive passages revealing character or setting
Emotional reactions to the ending
3. Small Group Discussion (15–20 mins)
In groups of 3–4, assign discussion questions: Students to each have their own copies for the end of class. They will need to keep these!
Questions:
What clues are we given about the man’s identity, and how do they influence your perception of him?
How does Valgardson use contrast between neighbourhoods to develop theme?
How would the story change if told from the police officer’s point of view?
What do you think the author wants us to take away from the ending? Is it effective? Why or why not?
Where do you see bias—both personal and societal—at work in the story?
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