Essays and Research Papers on Canadian Literature

A five page paper looking at this seminal Canadian work by Hugh MacLennan, set against the backdrop of the Halifax explosion of 1917. The paper discusses MacLennan’s feeling that if all factions of Canadian society could be brought to place their primary allegiance in Canada rather than their own small special interest groups, this ...

In 5 pages, the author discusses the way in which sense of place was developed in "Swamp Angel" by Ethel Wilson. No other sources are cited.

A 7 page paper on Margaret Atwood's book "Alias Grace." The paper discusses various aspects of the book such as gender, female sexuality and social class and addresses how these perceptions, originating from those around her, influenced Grace's ability to adequately express herself. No additional sources cited.

This 5 page paper considers the way in which Carol Shields creates effects in her story, and the use of symbolism, point of view, tense, diction and descriptive text to support the central messages she conveys. This paper specifically looks at some of the central formal elements that determine the impact of her work. No additional sources cited. ...

A five page paper looking at Canadian author Lynn Coady's novel in terms of the learning experiences its protagonist undergoes, both in the mental hospital and afterwards. The paper suggests that up to now Bridget has tended to think of events as cyclical, and she needs to readjust her thinking to perceive them as linear. ...

Albert Camus and Margaret Atwood inhabit two very different world and write from two very different views, however, in Surfacing by Atwood and The Stranger by Camus they share the same sense of alienation for their protagonist. This 5 page paper asserts that the unnamed narrator in Atwood's second novel and Meursault in The Stranger are both portrayed as ...

This 3 page paper provides insights into Munro's story that appears in the Friend of My Youth anthology. The paper focuses on how artistic expression is exemplified. The Almeda Roth character is highlighted. No additional sources cited.

4 pages in length. In Sinclair Ross's "The Lamp at Noon," the desolation of the expansive and haunting setting mirrors the sentiment of life, marriage and the glimmer of hope. This short story set against a backdrop of emotional and scenic barrenness is indicative of the prolific writer's inherent ability to pursue even ...

This 5 page report discusses Canadian writer Michael Ondaatje’s 1992 novel “The English Patient.” It is a passionate story of war, love and memory was both mysterious and disturbing. But the incident in which Almasy paints Katherine’s face in the cave of swimmers carries a number of deeper meanings than simple grief over her death. Bibliography lists 4 sources. ...

A 5 page paper which examines the theme of nationalism vs. common humanity in Michael Ondaatje's novel, 'The English Patient.' Bibliography lists 4 sources.

A 5 page paper which examines the theme of Canadian author Guy Vanderhaeghe's short story, "Dancing Bear." No additional sources are used.

This 5 page essay provides a tutorial on the relationship between the use of setting, character and theme, relating it to a discussion of Jack Hodgins' After The Season.

This 5 page report discusses two stores of childhood loss, deprivation and isolation. Two Canadian writers tell the very different stories of two motherless girls growing up. Both explore the human condition and both demonstrate the directions in which a child may grow. Bibliography lists 2 sources.

This 5 page paper looks at Richler's satire in the controversial novel Cocksure, and the way the satire operates on two levels. The paper uses quotes form critics and the book to illustrates the points raised. The bibliography cites 3 sources.

This 7 page paper compares and contrasts Funny Boy by Shyam Selvadurai and Swimming Lessons : And Other Stories from Firozsha Baag by Rohinton Mistry. The setting of the former is Sri Lanka and the setting of the latter is Bombay. Each is evaluated as works of fiction, but attention to form is ...

A 6 page paper which examines what characteristics the author emphasizes in a consideration of the overall tone of their portrayal. Bibliography lists 3 sources.

A 6 page research paper that examines Alice Munro's book Lives of Girls and Women. This discussion not only examines this book, but also offers perspective as to how it represents Munro's overall style, where it fits into her overall career, and how it relates, generally, within the context of Canadian literature. Bibliography lists 6 ...

This 5 page paper considers the themes in the Morley Callaghan's book set in 1950's Montreal were racial tensions and innocence can be seen as courted by violence and betrayal. The bibliography cites 2 sources.

This 10 page report discusses novels written by Patricia Grace (“Potiki”) and Eden Robinson (“Monkey Beach”). In “Potiki,” the reader is able to see one community's response to attacks on their ancestral values and symbols. In the process, the relationship between people and the land they live on is shown to have greater ties than can be imagined ...

A 5 page overview of the novel by Thomas King. Outlines the novel’s theme and emphasizes that in reality it is characterized by a duality of theme. Suggests that the names of the towns themselves are suggestive of this duality as are the differences between the characters and even the differences between these ...

This 6 page report discusses two of Richler’s most satirical works. Mortimer Lucas Griffin of Cocksure finds himself in the position of having to worry about the fact that he is not Jewish. To his eternal embarrassment he is Anglo-Saxon, Anglican, apolitical, and Canadian. The characters of Solomon Gursky was Here are all caught up in the world of the ...

A 5 page book review of Gail Anderson-Dargatz' The Cure for Death by Lightning. The writer describes the twists and turns of this coming-of-age story set in 1940s Canadian British Columbia. No additional sources cited.

An 8 page research paper/essay that explores what two stories say to young girls about what it means to be female. These stories are L.M. Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables and the Brothers' Grimm version of Snow White. Bibliography lists 7 sources.

A 6 page paper which discusses two of the short stories in Alice Munro's "Open Secrets" and examines their similarities. The stories examined are "Open Secrets" and "Vandals." The characters are examined in terms of development and growth, an examination which serves to illustrate the general condition of Munro's characters. Bibliography lists 2 additional sources.

An 8 page paper which examines the short stories of Margaret Atwood as it relates to her work as a writer. The paper considers whether she is considered a short story writer, how she does as a short story writer, and what the reaction of the public is regarding her short stories. The paper focuses on her collection ...