ENG3U Course Themes

1. ENG3U Course Themes The Canadian Identity And Dreams vs Reality

2. We begin… • The first unit of study is Short Stories, as you remember from ENG1D short stories include elements, what are they?

3. Elements in Short Stories • Plot • Setting • Character • Conflict • Point of View • Theme

4. We can also analyze… • Author’s background • Atmosphere • Mood • Tone • Literary Devices All of these are used by the author to carry the meaning of the work. The quality of work is based on all these elements.

5. Canadian Identity THE BIG QUESTION: • Does Canada have an identity of its own or is Canada still in the process of developing an identity?

6. Theory #1: Canadian literature and history often indicate Canada has no real identity because of two obstacles: • Britain: As a British colony, Canada was closely tied to Britain (and still is in some ways). • U.S.: When Canada severed its ties with Britain it immediately associated with the U.S. • Theory #2: Canada’s identity shifts depending on the time, region or people involved. • Theory #3: Canada has never needed to develop an identity. • Identity is developed in times of struggle and Canada has never really struggled.

7. If Canada does have an identity, how do we discover it? • Canadian identity can be discovered through the attitudes of Canadians towards Canada’s origin, people, regions, diversity, fears, conflicts and politics. • Any one novel/writer won’t reveal it! • Some Canadian writers are pessimistic about Canada’s identity. They emphasize: • “doom and gloom.” • how slow Canada has been to exert its nationality. • Canada is too morally strict and unchanging. • Canada has an “inferiority complex.” • But there is one thing in common: The theme of “Survival” is part of the identity of all Canadians and can be identified in all Canadian writing.

8. AN ANSWER TO THE BIG QUESTION: • Canada has a complex and multi-faceted identity; it cannot be easily explained or defined.

9. MAJOR THEMES IN CANADIAN LITERATURE • The experience of the wilderness • The experience of isolation • Search for Identity • Individual vs. Society • Emotion as Weakness • Dream vs. Reality

10. The Experience of Wilderness • Unlike American literary themes of frontiersmanship and domination of the land, Canadian literature shows people attempting to live in harmony with nature with respect and loyalty to the land. • Nature has been customarily represented in literature in two ways: one that sees nature as threatening wilderness, and that belongs to the tradition inaugurated by colonial writers; the other, which sees nature as authentic, represents it as redeeming and promoting self-knowledge and healing, and which can be traced back to Aboriginal authors. • Characters who are born here or those who come from other nations share a pioneer spirit, an investment in the challenge of living in Canada.

11. Experience of Isolation • In the face of an often harsh environment, in confusion of cultures, ill-equipped to interact, figures in Canadian literature often develop a sense of isolation from those around them or experience feelings of alienation from a society that appears indifferent to their situation.

12. Search for Identity • The country’s own struggle to define their identity is mirrored in the experiences of its literary characters who search for self-definition. Characters define and redefine themselves within a changing society, where the value systems of a new nation interact with the character’s own experiences, expectations and inevitable conflicts which arise.

13. Individualvs. Society • Characters in Canadian literature often have deep struggles with philosophies surrounding which avenue to take; the one that makes the self happy and fulfilled but sometimes denying the community or to take the road of the ‘common good’ and forsake personal satisfaction.

14. Emotion as Weakness • Characters in Canadian literature are often depicted as having trouble expressing themselves emotionally. They rationalize rather than emote, internalize rather than react and remain passive rather than acting in violence. Emotion is seen as a weakness by those characters unable to see its benefits.

15. Dream Vs. Reality Whether seeking to escape persecution or desiring to prove their independence, all people who emigrated to North America share the dream that, here, one may begin again. Once here however, when faced with the reality of survival in a sometimes harsh physical and social environment, some characters lose sight of their dream while others wrap themselves in its security and refuse to see the truth.

16. Dream vs. Reality: Will be a main focus in the course • Let’s take a closer look… • Reality refers to a state or quality of existence or experience which is actual, concrete and measureable; not merely apparent, nominal or artificial

17. Dream is defined as a series of pictures or events in the imagination of a sleeping person; or a similar experience in a conscious individual; thus ‘daydream’. • Dream may also refer to a perceived ideal state, ie. National Dream or the ambition, aspiration or obsession of an individual. • Dream could also be an illusion, an idea having the appearance of reality or being a misrepresentation of reality.

18. Dreams vs Reality • We often fear the hard truths that are contained in reality. • We fear limitations placed on us by flaws in our characters. • We are not strong enough physically or mentally to solve our problems. • Limited by traditions and expectations of society. • Uncertainty of ever-changing world and inevitability of age and death.

19. Retreating into the Dream or Illusion • When afraid we retreat consciously or otherwise into security of dream or illusion. • Once contact with reality broken, ambition to attain the dream or power of illusion takes us away from our true selves. • Once this realistic identity is lost our lives are bound for tragedy.

20. ENG3U • Texts studied in this course include characters that are physically threatened, emotionally devastated and mentally challenged. • If they can not face reality and withdraw into their dreams successfully they lose their identity and are incapable of functioning productively.

21. Focus Questions • In human beings, what is the relationship between reality and dreams? • Can we ever hope to see the truth or are we too susceptible to dreams?

22. The Lamp at Noon • The first short story we will read covers most of the course themes. • Let’s read!