Cultural Disconnection

At the beginning of the novel, it is clear that Russel Susskit is struggling with something. The first indication of this struggle is Russel's discomfort when he hears his father coughing each morning. Russel's father is a heavy smoker, and it is his father's cigarette smoking which causes the man to cough. Russel's father smokes Prince Albert tobacco, which he rolls into cigarettes. The tobacco and its effect on his father produces distrust in Russel for things which come from Outside. To Russel, Outside is the world, culture, traditions and customs of people who are not Eskimo. In addition, the smell of diesel oil also represents Outside to Russel. Traditionally, Eskimos would use animal fat to keep their lamps burning and to give them heat. Finally, the sound of the "snowmachines" (snowmobiles) reminds Russel of Outside as well. Furthermore, Russel's father's attachment to Jesus is puzzling to...