It’s a time of Easter, new beginnings and Canadian Literature! This week, we’re taking a look at the common themes and tropes of Canadian Literature, and how it differs from its American counterpart. We’re a different country with different things on our minds, which one clearly sees reflected in the stories that we produce. Join us, and learn a little more about what Canadian Literature has to offer.
We begin with an introduction to the episode, welcoming listeners to another episode of Fully Booked. The hosts Meaghan and Shirin announce that it is April and Canadian Literature Month. They remark on the end of winter in Canada, a recurring theme on the show that represents a shared experience for Canadians.
Transitioning to the main discussion, Meaghan and Shirin explain they will be comparing themes in Canadian versus American literature. They have discussed American literature previously on the podcast, noting common themes like patriotism, the pioneer spirit, and the search for identity. However, they observe that the search for identity in American literature often relates specifically to identifying as an American, tying back to patriotism. There is a focus on defining oneself in relation to America as a nation.
In contrast, Canadian literature features a more general search for personal identity, not solely tied to one’s nationality. Meaghan suggests this stems from Canada having many diverse nations and cultures within one nation, with people immigrating from different backgrounds. The mythology around the American Dream often pushes immigrants to shed their roots and identify wholly as American upon arriving, whereas Canada has a different cultural feel, with people exploring their family origins and ancestry to learn where they came from.
Shirin adds that America is an older, more established country founded on revolution, and the idealistic notion of the American Dream has historically drawn immigrants seeking a better life and complete assimilation. Canadian literature, meanwhile, shows more of an exploration of people’s roots and how their origins shape their ongoing personal identity and sense of belonging in Canada.
Other differences discussed include:
- Personification of the weather and nature in Canadian literature, given the extreme climate and sparse population across much of Canada’s vast geography. The environment is a constant presence shaping people’s lives.
- Social mobility and willingness to frequently relocate in America versus putting down roots and reluctance to move far from one’s hometown in Canada
- Canada’s ongoing connection to Britain and the monarchy, unlike America’s firm break with England after the Revolutionary War
- Relationships with politics – America’s focus on its own politics and government versus Canada’s occasional digs at or references to its connection to Britain
Despite these differences, some common themes emerge in both countries’ literature, like coming of age stories which are universally relatable. The hosts praise increased diversity in both American and Canadian literature, with more voices being heard from minority and marginalized authors compared to classic literature of the past.
Meaghan wonders how regional Canadian literature differs, like books set on the prairies or in Saskatchewan versus those focused on the urban setting of Montreal, which have a distinct tone and feel compared to wider Canadian literature. Shirin speculates that she would be interested to know if newer Canadian books also explore societal issues like the high cost of living, especially in cities, given the limited amount of affordable, livable land in Canada.
In conclusion, it’s fascinating to see the evolution in both American and Canadian literature over time to include a wider range of diverse voices and perspectives. The hosts welcome listeners to share their own perspectives on Canadian literature and its themes on the show’s social media platforms. As always, they thank listeners for tuning in and encourage them to leave ratings and reviews to help the podcast reach more people seeking engaging literary discussions.
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