Canadian in English - Literature review Example

 Canadian Literature in English Essay Proposal on Canadian Literature Canadian literature has played a vital role with regard to influencing the personal and national identity of Canadians. Moreover, Canadian literature has been subjected to various forms of criticism since it is argued that the English and the French played a major role in building it. As such, questions have been raised as to the major contributing factors to the state of cultural and social significance of literature in the country. As such, the question that the essay target to answer is the influence that Canadian literature has had in the country thus helping to influence its social and cultural aspects. Canadian literature has helped to depict a country that is well integrated and advanced. Records of pioneers in Canada reveal the country’s outline based on the influence of political and constitutional theory. Commerce, democratic government, industry, literature, education, and art have played a major role with regard to the development of Canadian literature (Bélanger, 2004). Moreover, the major contributors to Canadian literature were travelers, visitors, explorers, and soldiers. Their laborious expeditions and assessments depict Canadian literature based on symbolic mappings of individuals and the places they settled (Bennett & Brown, 2010). Furthermore, there has been a chronological flow of events based on poets, writers, and the significance of their works from precolonial periods to the contemporary world (Hayne, 2012). This paper will discuss contemporary literature in Canada based on the ways in which it has influenced the personal and national identity in the country. It is significant in the study because various criticisms have been directed towards literary works in the country. Moreover, research has shown that competitive pressure was evident between the English and the French towards dominating the country’s literary environment. Furthermore, Canadian literature has had deep influence in the country’s discernment of history, social-cultural environment, and the manner in which other nations around the world perceive it. Canadian Literature Essay Introduction Canadian literature describes literature that originates from Canada. However, Canadian literature has been subjected to significant criticism based on regional and nationalistic perspectives. Based on the criticism directed towards literature in Canada, this is only a small portion. A number of critics, particularly Frank Davey, have gone against thematic criticism directed towards Canadian literature, arguing that focusing on the theme weakens the appreciation that is directed towards literature complexity, which is produced in the country. In this case, Canadian literature has been regarded as being sociologically oriented (Bennett & Brown, 2010). As in the case of literature from different countries, diverse social-cultural perspectives influence Canadian literature. In this case, Canadian writers have managed to produce a broad range of genres, which have received recognition in different parts of the world. As such, the influence that Canadian writers have on literary work are broad, both in historical and geographical aspects (Bennett & Brown, 2010). In Canada, the principal cultures were initially French and British. The aboriginals also influenced the culture of the country. However, in 1971, when the prime minister of the region made an announcement regarding the implementation of multiculturalism as well as bilingual structure in the country, Canada started becoming a home for writers and readers from diverse populations. Based on the heavy incidences of immigration that have become evident in the recent decades, the country’s literature has been influenced significantly. Today, Canadian literature incorporates genres and themes from different population groups in diverse parts of the globe (Sugars, 2004). Discussion Canadian Literature Background and Development There are broad ranges of traits that are associated with Canadian literature regardless of whether it has been written in French or English. These traits target the perspective of Canada towards frontier life, nature, as well as the position that the country occupies in the world. In Canadian literature, the major areas of emphasis include the cultural and ethnic diversity of the people in the region. Nonetheless, a great deal of writers in the country lay significant emphasis on the ethnic life of Canada, and the role it has played in the modern day society (Bélanger, 2004). There are different Canadian literature categories based on their breath and size. For this reason, they are mostly divided into various subcategories. One of the most common way of categorizing Canadian literature is by emphasizing on the region it comes from. Here, it becomes possible to understand the different perspectives of writers from different cultural and ethnic background across Canada. The other way of categorizing Canadian literature is by the writer. Different writers adopt different writing styles and follow different perspectives to give different meanings (Bélanger, 2004). For example, different writers may focus on Acadians, Irish Canadians, Canadian women, and Canada’s aboriginal people. These major areas have been anthologized as diverse bodies of work that dominate literary work in Canada. The third way in which Canadian literature is divided is by focusing on the literary period. The major literary works in this case target postmodern Canadians or the various Canadian poets who prevailed between the two world wars. These literary works help to understand Canadian literature in the perspective of modern day Canada (Hammil, 2008). There are certain common traits what are affiliated with Canadian literature today. For instance, failure is considered a major theme among Canadian writers. Futility and failure serve as major themes in various notable works, such as Kamouraska by Anne Herbert and Timothy Findley’s Not Wanted on the Voyage. Moreover, they portray humor in order to illustrate a vital subject manner. Minor anti-Americanism is also evident in different literary works. In this case, the anti-American sentiment is considered a type of gentle irony, which is often regarded as malicious. These types of works illustrate the form of friendly rivalry that prevails between two countries (Hammil, 2008). Multiculturalism is also an evident trait in Canadian literature. For instance, since the Second World War, multiculturalism has been a dominant theme among Canadian writers showing the achievements and the impact of the war in the country. The major writers noted to use this these include Wayson Coy, Michael Ondaatje, Margaret Laurence, and Mordecai Richler. Additionally, nature is also highly evident in Canadian literature. By comparing human and nature, nature it at times considered an enemy or a divine force based on its surprises towards the residents of the country. Other common elements in Canadian literature comprise of self-deprecation, satire an irony, and self-evaluation by readers (New, 2003). Furthermore, a number of literary works in Canada emphasize of the need for self-identity search. Various novels of Canadian origin are noted to revolve around searching for one’s identity. In this case, individuals do this to help them justify a reason for existence. For instance, Robertson Davies in his work Fifth Business, he shows the manner in which individuals search for new identity in order to survive in a new environment. With the main character Dustan Ramsay, he leaves his hometown Deptford to look for a different region where he can find a reason to live (New, 2003). The Southern Ontario Gothic is a major style that many writers in Canada use. It is a subgenre, which criticizes the mentality of Protestants in Southern Ontario. They practices conventional practices, which were not in accordance with the normal way of life of the region. Moreover, the concept of the underdog hero, which is employed in Canadian literature, portrays the different challenges in which a normal person goes through in order to overcome the difficulties posed by banks, large corporations, the government, natural disasters, and rich tycoons (Hayne, 2012). In this case, they reveal that an ordinary person is considered as having no place in the society, hence the challenges he encounters while trying to develop himself. In addition to that, the urban versus rural concept serves as an alternative to the underdog, which reveals the conflicts revolving around rural and urban culture. In this case, rural characters are portrayed as being morally superior while urban characters are affiliated with deteriorating morals. This trait is evident in the case of “Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town” by Stephen Leacock” and “No Great Mischief” by Alistair MacLeod (Bennett & Brown, 2010). Influence of the French on Canadian Literature The library in the Lower Canada legislative was founded in 1802. It is considered as among the initial libraries in Occident, and in the Canadas. The British House of Commons library was built 16 years later. The library has adopted rare titles pertaining to letters, natural science, and geography. All the books stored in the library were shifted to Montreal in the Canadian parliament when the upper and lower Canada united (Bélanger, 2004). In 1849, the Canadian parliament was burnt by a number of frustrated individuals in line with hundreds of Canadian French books. Hundreds of English books were also burnt as a result. It is for this reason that some individuals argue that Quebec lacked sufficient literature until 1820s. Although learned pastors, journalists, and historians published, the overall work that remains since that period is relatively small (Hayne, 2012). In 1837, the Lower Canadian rebellion and patriotism in Quebec rose at an extraordinary pace. In addition to the development of the modern school education, these incidences led to the growth of French-Canadian literature. For instance, the work by Philippe-Ignace-Francois de Gaspe’s work titled “L’influence d’un livre” is presently regarded as the initial French-Canadian literary work. The genres, which became popular initially, were historical and rural novels. The French authors at this time were highly influential (Fee, 2009). Henri-Raymond Casgrain, who used to serve as a father in 1866 was among the initial literary theorists in Quebec. He stipulated that the overall goal of literature was to project the appropriate picture of the acceptable morality among Catholics. However, a number of writers, such as Arthur Buies and Louis-Honore Frechette argued that this practice was boring. They decided to break the set conventions to help them write about works that would be interesting to the readers (Fee, 2009). Other writers followed this trend up to 1930s, particularly those educated at Universite de Montreal and Universite Laval. Based on this influence, novels characterized by sociological and psychological themes dominated the writing environment. Anne Herbert and Gabrielle Roy started being recognized internationally, a situation that had not been witnessed before in French-Canadian literature in history. At this time, the Quebec theatre, which was mostly characterized by comedies and melodramas started to get more involved with these revolutionary works (New, 2003). The after-effects of World War II had significant influence of the growth of French-Canadian literature. For instance, the start of industrialization in the early 1950s as well as the Quiet Revolution that became evident in 1960s contributed greatly to the growth of this literary art in Canada. (Sugars, 2004) Moreover, the French-Canadian literature attracted attention of different countries around the world, particularly when Antonine Maillet, a novelist from Arcadia won the Prix Goncourt. The Quebecois literature branch was also developed. For example, Nicole Brossard, a poet began writing using the formalist writing style. In 1979, the work “The Hockey Sweater” by Roch Carrier highlighted the tensions between the English and French in Canada because of the widespread rivalry that dominated literary works (New, 2003). Contemporary Literature in Canada After the Second World War, a number of notable writers, including Irving Layton, Margaret Laurence, Mordecai Richler, Norman Levine, and Mavis Gallant made significant contribution to the modern Canadian literature, which had been previously introduced by authors affiliated with McGill Fortnightly. The influence by these authors was not accorded significant attention at first. For instance, the work “Canada Made me” by Norman Levine was heavily disregarded sine it portrayed a sour definition of the country (Bennett & Brown, 2010). After 1967, which was regarded as the centennial year of Canada, the government of the country subsidized publishers and small presses who had started to dominate the country. By the late 1970s, Susan Wood, who was a Canadian literature scholar and fan of science fiction played a vital role in helping to initiate a study directed towards feminist science fiction. Together with Judith Merril, an immigrant, the two managed to introduce respectability towards science fiction in Canada. This practice paved way for the emergence of “Solaris,” which was a science fiction magazine by affiliated with French-Canadian literature (Sugars, 2004). As, such it is true that Canadian literature has grown significantly in the recent decades despite the challenges experienced by different artists and burning of thousands of literary works, which led to extinction of vital literature in the Canadian society. Overall, Canadian literature has played a vital role in helping to define the culture of the society, creating a clear picture about social and cultural state of the country. Conclusion The paper has illustrated the developments of Canadian literature based on the influence of the aboriginals, the British, and the French. Most of the great contributors to Canadian literature were explorers, visitors, colonizers, and priests among other notable individuals. As literature developed, considerable rivalry emerged between the English and the French heightening the tension in the region. Moreover, literature in the region has played a vital role with regard to depicting the country’s social cultural state based on the diverse themes portrayed in the different literary material. As such, it is true that Canadian literature has played a vital role with regard to influencing the personal and national identity of the residents in the country. Annotated Bibliography Bélanger, C. (2004). Canadian Literature in English. Retrieved from http://faculty.marianopolis.edu/c.belanger/quebechistory/encyclopedia/Canlite.htm This article shows that great literature is associated with a well-integrated and advanced society characterized by a conscious soul and mature body. The author of the article gives diverse records of pioneers and explores in Canada based on the discoverers’ journals. By focusing on master-builders and constitutional and political history, the article clearly shows the ways in which Canada’s physical outline took place gradually. The chronicle reveals the manner in which industry, democratic government, commerce, literature, art, and education developed in the country. Therefore, a national literature in this case reflects proud and potent symbols pertaining to national ambition and existence. Bennett, D., & Brown, R. (2010). An Anthology of Canadian Literature in English. New York: Oxford University Press. This book is an annotated text depicting courses of Canadian literature. It provides collection of basic texts and connects them to offer the study’s context both in the perspective of individual writers as well as Canadian literature from 18th century to present. The book entails selection fiction writers and poets from early figures to contemporary writers. The book provides a bibliographical account as well as the significance of their work. By joining the anthology together, the author emphasizes on the themes evident, such as identity questions, mobility, cross cultures, fragmentation, and mobility as portrayed by different writers of Canadian literature. Fee, M. (2009). Canadian Literature and English Studies in the Canadian University. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/91950/Canadian-literature This article stipulates that English studies in Canadian perspective reveal a history of struggle. However, the struggle in Canada is different from elsewhere in the world. In Canada, the role of literary studies should not be interpreted in line with the Canadian elites’ goals. This is because the ideological and institutional structures for these studies are affiliated with other countries. English literary studies should also not be regarded as a cover pertaining to conquest because the major proponents in the country were Canadians. In addition, the marginal Canadian literature’s position in the curriculum should not be interpreted as evidence of Canadian elite’s weaknesses. They should also not proof the abysmal quality of the literature. This is because American literature is marginal in the perspective of the curriculum followed by American universities. Hammil, F. (2008). Canadian Literature. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. This book serves as a thematic critical overview Canadian literature. It is designed for audiences interested in combining postcolonial and postmodern readings of poetry and fiction with theoretical themes surrounding Canadian literature. It hovers around history, desire, ethnicity, and wilderness. The information present represents a combination of canonical pieces, which discuss contemporary works, which address issues as well as concerns evident in contemporary Canadian literature. The author gives an overview of Canadian history and literature, mapping historical issues with Canada’s literary events. It is essential in terms of locating the works based on the time when they were published and their significance to Canadian society. Hayne, D. M. (2012). Canadian literature. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/91950/Canadian-literature This article depicts that the initial English authors in Canada were travelers, visitors, explorers, and well as British soldiers as well as their wives. These writers recorded their impressions in journals, diaries, letters, and charts. These initial documents of settlements as well as journeys reveal the biography of Canadian literature. In this case, the history, geography, as well as laborious expeditions of assessment and discovery reveal the need for origin myths for national and personal identity. It depicts criticisms directed towards Canadian literature based on symbolic mappings of individuals and places. These factors are vital to exploring the evolution of Canadian literature. New, W. H. (2003). A History of Canadian Literature. Ottawa: McGill-Queen's Press. ` This book looks at the Canadian literature from the perspective of writers as well as the cultural and social perspectives that played a major role in shaping their preoccupations as well as their form of literature. The author explains that the diverse oral tales of the past as well as the writing strategies adopted by the 21st century writers. He shows that literature, society, writers, and readers are all interrelated. The book portrays the European and Aboriginal mythologies based on whether the works are in fantasy, documentary, or satire. It also portrays ways in which culture, politics, and power subdivision, and media represent the community. He adds suggestions regarding the ways in which 20th century writers incorporated gender, ethnicity, history, and literary techniques to their works. Sugars, C. C. (2004). Home-work: Postcolonialism, Pedagogy, and Canadian Literature. Ottawa: University of Ottawa Press. The book reveals that the present theoretical discussions directed towards Canadian post colonialism have created an impression based on the manner in which Canadian literature is discussed and written about. It also shows that significant impact has been witnessed with respect to the ways in which Canadian literature is taught. The author undertakes deep investigations and reassessments regarding the influence that postcolonial theory has had of pedagogies of Canadian literature. The author evaluates various topics in both specific texts and theoretical discussions regarding the intersections with issues such as identity, post colonialism, and nationalism. The book therefore helps to understand Canadian literary studies’ history based on pedagogical practice as well as postcolonial theory. References Bélanger, C. (2004). Canadian Literature in English. Retrieved from http://faculty.marianopolis.edu/c.belanger/quebechistory/encyclopedia/Canlite.htm Bennett, D., & Brown, R. (2010). An Anthology of Canadian Literature in English. New York: Oxford University Press. Fee, M. (2009). Canadian Literature and English Studies in the Canadian University. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/91950/Canadian-literature Hammil, F. (2008). Canadian Literature. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. Hayne, D. M. (2012). Canadian literature. Retrieved from http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/91950/Canadian-literature New, W. H. (2003). A History of Canadian Literature. Ottawa: McGill-Queen's Press. Sugars, C. C. (2004). Home-work: Postcolonialism, Pedagogy, and Canadian Literature. Ottawa: University of Ottawa Press. Read More