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Semester 3: Canadian Studies
Poetry: Selections from C.D. Narasimhiah’s Anthology of Commonwealth Poetry (P.K. Page, A.M. Klein, M. Atwood, Smith), Selections from Native Literature in Canada, Ed. by Terry Goldie
Poetry Selections and Context in Canadian Studies
Overview of Commonwealth Poetry
Commonwealth Poetry represents diverse voices from various nations sharing a common colonial history. It highlights themes of identity, post-colonialism, and cultural heritage. Key poets include P.K. Page and A.M. Klein, who explore Canadian identity and landscapes.
P.K. Page: Contributions and Themes
P.K. Page is recognized for her vivid imagery and exploration of the Canadian experience. Her poetry reflects themes of nature, identity, and the human condition, often blending personal and universal experiences.
A.M. Klein: Significance in Canadian Literature
A.M. Klein is noted for his exploration of Jewish identity within the Canadian context. His works often delve into themes of migration, belonging, and the intersection of personal and collective histories.
M. Atwood: Feminist Perspectives in Poetry
Margaret Atwood's poetry addresses feminist themes and the role of women in society. Her works often challenge patriarchal narratives and explore the complexities of female identity and experience.
Exploration of Indigenous Voices in Native Literature
Native Literature in Canada offers insights into the Indigenous experience, culture, and history. It emphasizes the importance of storytelling, connection to land, and the impact of colonialism on Indigenous communities.
Terry Goldie's Anthology: A Compilation of Voices
Terry Goldie's anthology brings together diverse Indigenous voices, highlighting the richness of Native Literature. It serves as a crucial resource for understanding Indigenous perspectives within the broader context of Canadian literature.
Fiction: Survival - M. Atwood, Truth and Brightwater (1999) - Thomas King, No New Land - M.G. Vassanji, Toronto - McClelland Stewart (1997)
Introduction to Canadian Fiction
Canadian fiction explores diverse themes including survival, identity, and the human experience in relation to the environment.
M. Atwood's Survival
Atwood's work often examines survival on multiple levels, including physical, psychological, and societal. Her narratives frequently depict characters striving to endure in harsh conditions.
Thomas King's Truth and Brightwater
This novel presents a unique blend of cultural perspectives. King's storytelling reveals the complexities of survival within Indigenous contexts, highlighting connections to land and heritage.
M.G. Vassanji's No New Land
Vassanji's narrative addresses themes of migration and belonging. The concept of survival is intertwined with the immigrant experience, showcasing both challenges and resilience.
Themes of Survival in Canadian Literature
Various authors tackle survival against the backdrop of Canadian landscapes, exploring how geography influences characters' struggles and triumphs.
Cultural Context in Survival Narratives
The representation of survival within Canadian fiction often reflects broader social issues, such as colonialism, displacement, and the quest for identity.
Conclusion
Survival in Canadian fiction serves as a microcosm for larger societal issues, offering insights into human resilience and the search for meaning in diverse landscapes.
Drama: The Ecstasy of Rita Joe - George Ryga, Dry Lips - Tomson Highway, Selections from SACLIT/DRAMA plays from South Asian Canadian (Ed. Uma Parameshwaran)
Overview of the Plays
Ecstasy of Rita Joe by George Ryga explores the struggles of Indigenous identity and the clash with societal norms. Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing by Tomson Highway focuses on the lives of First Nations women and the intersection of humor and hardship.
Themes
Common themes include identity, culture clash, and resilience in the face of adversity. The plays shed light on the experiences of marginalized communities in Canada.
Character Analysis
Rita Joe represents the Indigenous struggle for self-identity. Characters in Dry Lips Oughta Move to Kapuskasing showcase strength and vulnerability, reflecting the complexities of their lives.
Contextual Relevance
These works provide insight into the socio-political issues faced by Indigenous peoples in Canada, significant in the context of Canadian Studies and the understanding of cultural narratives.
Critical Reception
Both plays have received critical acclaim for their poignant storytelling and the ability to highlight important cultural issues. They have opened up dialogues about race, identity, and social justice.
Contribution to Canadian Drama
These plays contribute to the canon of Canadian drama by representing diverse voices and experiences, enriching the national narrative.
Short Story: Sunshine and Other Stories - Stephen Leacock, Selections from Thomas King; Autobiography/Autoethnography: In Search of April Raintree - Beatrice Culleton Mosionier, This is My Own Letters to Wes and Other Writings on Japanese Canadians 1941–1948 - H. Kitagawa (Ed. Roy Miki), Polemical Essays: Selection from The Telling It Collective
Canadian Studies
A collection of humorous short stories that reflect Canadian life and culture.
Humor
Societal Norms
Canadian Identity
My Financial Career
The Exchange
The Advance of Science
A selection of works by Thomas King highlighting Indigenous perspectives and narratives.
Indigenous Identity
Cultural Representation
Postcolonial Discourse
Use of storytelling
Intersection of humor and social commentary
A semi-autobiographical novel that explores themes of identity, family, and Indigenous experiences.
Identity and Belonging
Racial Discrimination
Family Dynamics
Impact of colonization
Struggle for self-acceptance
A collection documenting the experiences of Japanese Canadians during World War II.
Internment
Cultural Resilience
Historical Reflection
Personal letters
Historical accounts
Impact of war on identity
A compilation of essays focusing on Indigenous issues and narratives.
Activism
Social Justice
Indigenous Perspectives
Critical essays on contemporary issues
Advocacy for Indigenous rights
Criticism: The Canadian Post-Modern - Linda Hutcheon, Godzilla vs. Post-Colonial - Thomas King, Selections from Robert Kroetsch, Last Essay from The Bush Garden, Northrop Frye
Criticism: The Canadian Post-Modern
Linda Hutcheon
Hutcheon's work primarily focuses on the complexities of postmodernism within Canadian literature. She argues for the acceptance and understanding of postmodern characteristics such as metafiction, intertextuality, and self-referentiality. Her analysis positions Canadian literature as inherently postmodern, emphasizing how these elements challenge traditional narratives and conventions.
Thomas King
In 'Godzilla vs. Post-Colonial', King explores the intersections of post-colonial discourse and popular culture. He critically examines how narratives surrounding identity, history, and representation are shaped by colonial legacies. King's work often highlights the importance of indigenous narratives in challenging dominant cultural portrayals.
Robert Kroetsch Selections
Kroetsch's writings exemplify a postmodern sensibility through their playful language and form. His exploration of identity, history, and place in Canadian culture reflects a fragmented yet rich tapestry of existence. With a focus on the rural and natural landscapes of Canada, his work invites readers to reconsider the conventions of storytelling.
Last Essay from The Bush Garden
Kroetsch's 'The Bush Garden' emphasizes the significance of the Canadian landscape as a character in its own right. The essay reflects on the tension between urban and rural, and the impact of these settings on Canadian identity. This piece serves as a critique of traditional narratives, advocating for a more inclusive understanding of what constitutes Canadian literature.
Northrop Frye
Frye's literary criticism provides a foundational understanding of Canadian literature through archetypal criticism. He posits that Canadian literature is shaped by its unique cultural landscape and historical context. Frye's framework allows for a broad interpretation of texts while situating them within the larger context of world literature.
