"The Tin Flute" and "Mercy Among the Children"

Both Gabrielle Roy and David Adams Richards have delved into the reality of poverty among Canadian families. Roy's novel, The Tin Flute, depicts the pain and hardship of poverty, through her portrayal of the Lacasse family. Florentine Lacasse fervently attempts to detach herself from her family's financial situation, only to realise that it is a battle she cannot win. Similarly, the Hendersons must endure the misery that has been brought upon them by their poverty, …

…generosity to crossover to the other side of society, the rich side. Their fault causes them to feel rejected by Jean and Penny, insecure of their appearance and unsatisfied with their charitable act. Florentine and Lyle failed in their pursuit of financial security because they do not try to break away from the poverty cycle by themselves, in the honest way. They take the easier road, which leads them to feel isolated from their goal.