Who Has Seen The Wind Analysis

A Young Mind’s Curiosity about Life

The complexity of life might preoccupy one’s mind at any age when there is an underlying quest for personal growth and self discovery. Life on the Canadian prairie during the 1930s was filled with a sense of simplicity; truly appreciating the natural surroundings and resources available on the land. There was a recurrent theme to rely on oneself which made daily life difficult for many families on the prairie. Within W.O. Mitchell’s novel Who Has Seen the Wind, the protagonist, Brian O’Connal, tries to understand the meaning of life by thoroughly questioning the life cycle and relying on his inner sense for answers. Brian attempts to develop a clear definition for each stage by witnessing both the
I can’t, Fat. I tried it but I can’t. It’s just like- nothing was any different.” (304).

Through this conversation with his friend, Brian had a hard time understanding why he had not cried. Gerald O’Connal was Brian’s mentor who allowed him to question anything about the life stages. Losing him allowed Brian to learn the greatest gift of life, acceptance. Not allowing himself to cry showed how Brian was unable to connect with the reality that his father will no longer be with him. Brian O’Connal used his sense of curiosity in the quest to try and understand the meaning of life. At a young age, he was able to witness the process of birth and death due to the environment that surrounded him. Brian’s sense of questioning showed his deep connection to prairie; one that his peers were unable to understand. Through his inner feeling, Brian attempted to differentiate what was ethical both on the farm and the land. The lessons he learned were not enough to prepare him for his father’s passing as he was unable to face the reality of the situation. Through all the hardships that Brian faced early on in life, he was able to understand himself as a person though still acquiring knowledge that will guide him in the