Wednesday, October 13, 2004
I've got the urge for going, but I never seem to go
I am in a decidedly Joni Mitchell mood, as of late, though I'm not particularly sure why. As my birthday approaches, I become increasingly anxiously about my Finn Brothers CD...which is rumoured to be coming some time around then.
Two of my classes were cancelled this week so i'm not feeling terrifically academic at the moment, although there are books waiting for me at the library for that conference proposal I am trying to write. I need to get started on my research problem, which is due around the same time as that birthday of mine. Our outline for it has been simply that we should imagine that we are writing a critical preface to the definitive book on this particular problem.
So. If the problem is, how does Canadian literature deal with the concept of national identity?, where should I get started?
Or, more importantly, will I be able to finish after only 12 pages?
Ron Sexsmith tomorrow night, hurrah.
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5 comments:
Yes, yes, yes, you go and enjoy your Ron Sexsmith. Stupid Southern Ontario concert draw. Some day, North Bay will become the nexus for all entertainment, and you will rue the day that you left the North for the fancy trappings of the South!
Oh, and I am also eagerly awaiting your Finn brother's CD. Since I have been robbed of the right to give it to you for your birthday, I will rest easy in the concept of getting a copy of it burnt for myself. (Only after I let you re-burn a copy of Crowded House live that I burned from you in the first place) Ah, the circle of life....
Interesting canundrum that one.
"How does Canadian literature deal with the concept of national identity?"
Well, if that WAS the topic at hand, I would attempt to steer clear of the usual "hot shots" of the CanLit scenes. Atwood. Findley. MacDonald. They're brilliant, but over-rated when it boils down to identity and Canadian citizenry.
Although, it is a simple suggestion from the-failure-student here. My best advice? Sit down with some wine, a bit of smoked Gouda, and let everything mull itself over.
Best of luck, love.
Rhi! It's Phil, blogger account-less.
I'm not sure if you have to read a certain type of book for your problem, but on the subject of Canadian literature dealing with National Identity, I recommend you read some Douglas Coupland (namely, Souvenir of Canada or City of Glass) or my personal favourite, Dave Bidini (On a Cold Road or Tropic of Hockey).
Done much postcol theory?
I'd go crazy waiting for that CD too, if I were you. *hug*
I'm a Robinson Davies person myself... I think if you're looking for a straitforward, knock-you-on-the-head, decidedly unsubtle example of Canadian cultural identity referred to within a body of work, I would recommend "The Deptford Trilogy". I find that the manner in which it weaves decades of Canadian history and events into the background noise of the story is quite comforting.
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