Survival
-
Margaret Atwood
About
the Author:
Margaret
Atwood, a prolific Canadian author, is acclaimed for her profound contributions
to contemporary literature, spanning multiple genres including fiction, poetry,
and critical essays. Born on November 18, 1939, in Ottawa, Ontario, Atwood's
diverse body of work often explores themes like power, identity, and ecological
conservation. Her sharp literary voice and incisive wit have earned her
numerous prestigious awards, such as the Booker Prize and Governor General's
Award. A passionate advocate for environmental and social issues, Atwood's
influence extends beyond her written works, impacting cultural and political
dialogues. "Survival: A Thematic Guide to Canadian Literature," one
of her seminal non-fiction works, reflects her deep engagement with Canadian
identity and the literary landscape.
About
the book: Survival
Introduction: In Survival:
A Thematic Guide to Canadian Literature by Margaret Atwood contains
a comprehensive analysis of Canadian
literature which helps readers understand the real meaning of the Canadian
literature. Delving into the works of various Canadian authors, Atwood uncovers
a persistent motif of survival in the harsh, often unforgiving landscapes of
the country's history and environment. This groundbreaking study not only
reframes how we perceive Canadian cultural narratives but also throws light on
survival, resilience, and identity (both national and individual) in the lives
of Canadians.
Introduction:
“Survival” is the first
chapter in which she argues that the most important strategy that the Canadian
writers learnt and also portrayed in their literary works is “survival”,
because not only in the animal kingdom but also in the human world only “the fittest
will survive”.
Personal
Experience:
Atwood
argues in the first chapter that Canadian writers have emphasized the concept
of survival as a key strategy, drawing parallels between the animal kingdom and
human society where only the strongest prevail. She reminisces about her early
exposure to Canadian literature, reflecting on how her perception evolved from
initially dismissing Canadian stories as inferior to recognizing their depth
and significance in shaping national identity. Atwood challenges the notion
that literature is merely for entertainment, emphasizing its role in reflecting
and shaping cultural values and identities. Can you explain the significance of
survival as a thematic element in Canadian literature according to Atwood's
analysis? How does Atwood's personal experience with Canadian literature
contribute to her understanding of national identity and literary values?
Survival
Manuals:
The text discusses how animal stories by Seton
served as survival manuals, focusing on the perils of the wilderness. It
emphasized dangers like getting lost or encountering dangerous animals. The
world depicted in these stories was filled with traps and challenges, where
there was no superhero to save the day. Atwood explores Canadian short stories
by Weaver and James, highlighting themes of human struggles and fatal
accidents. The Canadian writing portrayed a world of danger and menace, with a
unique shape that differed from other literature. The essence of these stories
and their depiction of the Canadian landscape is the subject of Atwood's book.
Symbol:
An Identity
The
text suggests that every country or culture has a unifying symbol at its core,
such as "The Frontier" for America, symbolizing new beginnings and
unfulfilled promises. This symbol serves as a system of beliefs that brings
people together and motivates cooperation for common goals. American literature
often explores the gap between the idealized vision of America as a utopia and
the harsh reality of materialism and disappointment. Some individuals even
mistake reality for the ideal, as seen in the example of "Heaven is a
Hilton Hotel with a Coke machine in it." "The Island" is the
corresponding symbol for England, popularized by a poet named Phineas Fletcher
in the 17th century through his poem "The Purple Island." It employs
a body-island metaphor, depicting England as a self-contained Body Politic with
a hierarchical structure, where the King is the Head, statesmen the hands, and
peasants or workers the feet, reflecting the concept of an Englishman's home as
a castle.
Theme:
Death and Decay
Canadian
authors often depict their heroes experiencing death or failure as a central
theme in their works. This emphasis on failure is seen as necessary to align
with the characters' worldview and the overall tone of the narrative. While
well-executed endings that align with the story's themes are generally
accepted, poorly delivered conclusions can detract from the work's aesthetic
appeal. Canadian writers tend to lean towards negative outcomes, such as
natural disasters or unexpected tragedies, rather than resorting to positive,
contrived resolutions. This preference for negative symbolism reflects a
pervasive cultural tendency towards embracing failure over success. Some argue
that Canadian literature's inclination towards pessimism aligns with broader
20th-century literary trends, but the prevalence of death and failure in
Canadian works appears more pronounced and relentless. While some may view
Canadian authors as morbid or neurotic, others find intrigue in the shared
thematic elements among diverse Canadian writers, prompting speculation on the
underlying reasons behind this commonality.
Survival:
The
central symbol for Canada is Survival, known as la Survivance in both English
and French Canadian literature. This concept represents the idea of staying
alive in various forms and challenges. For early explorers and settlers, it
meant surviving hostile elements and carving out a place to keep alive. It can
also symbolize surviving crises like hurricanes or wrecks, often portrayed in
Canadian poems. In French Canada, cultural survival involved preserving their
identity under English rule, while in English Canada facing American influence,
it gains a similar meaning. Survival can also be seen as a vestige of a past
era that persists beyond its time. This concept of survival evokes anxiety and
tales of those who made it back from harrowing experiences rather than
triumphant victories. Overall, Survival in Canada inspires a sense of gratitude
for escaping with one's life.
Basic
Victim Position:
The
text explores the idea of Canada as potentially being a victimized and
exploited entity, akin to a colony where profits are generated for the benefit
of a central power. Colonies are traditionally designed to serve the economic
interests of the ruling entity, leading to cultural side effects known as the
colonial mentality. The author suggests that if Canada is a collective victim,
it should acknowledge the Two Basic Victim Positions, which range from denial
to creative non-victimhood. Canadian literature, as outlined by Atwood,
primarily focuses on themes related to victimization, especially Position Two
where individuals feel powerless to change their circumstances. Despite this,
the role of writers is seen as reflecting society as it is, rather than
prescribing how it should be. Overall, the text underscores the complex
interplay between economic exploitation, cultural identity, and the role of
literature in reflecting societal realities.
Conclusion:
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