The Lamp at Noon

Originally published in 1968, “The Lamp at Noon” is an emotionally bleak short story written by Canadian author Sinclair Ross. “The Lamp at Noon” explores the psychologically devastating effects that the environmental devastation of the dust bowl has on the psyches and relationship of a married couple living on a farm on the Canadian plains during the Great Depression.

The story is told from the alternating points of view of the two main characters, Ellen and Paul, who each struggle in their own way to come to terms with their disintegrating emotional and physical environment. The story takes place during a single day, progressing chronologically without the use of flashbacks. Ross employs a third-person point of view.

Ross (1908–1996) is one of Canada’s best-known authors. His stories frequently concern life on the Canadian plains and explore themes of alienation, disillusionment, and isolation. Ross was a recipient of the Order of Canada award in recognition of his significant impact on Canadian literature. He is probably best known for his 1941 novel As for Me and My House.

This guide refers to text found in the Penguin Modern Classics Edition of The Lamp at Noon and Other Stories published in 2018.