The Imperialist

In Sara Jeanette Duncan’s novel The Imperialist, she introduces to the reader a character by the name of Alfred Hesketh. The introduction of this character comes during the Elgin delegation visit to England. He becomes fast friends with Lorne Murchison. It is Duncan’s purpose to further develop the ides of an international theme with his presence. Hesketh represents, in the beginning, the ideas and beliefs of England. Although he has these beginnings, we …

…this time in history. He represents the slow, laborious but necessary change and diversion away from England’s needs and political views, to views and political beliefs that work for Canadians and will help the country find its own two feet. He is representative of the changing views of Canadians. Duncan sees Alfred Hesketh as an open mind willing to listen to everything and willing to fill it with all the information that he can.