French-Canadian Literature

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that much French-Canadian literature, especially the more early forms, had geographic themes; even when many of the writers began moving into the cities, they used their new environment as a foundation for their works. The author points out, that Albert Laberge wrote about rural life, but in a negative fashion, contrary to most literary artists of his time; where previous rural novels included idyllic characters and surroundings in an environment of socio-moral ascension, Laberge saw humans as snared in a world of misery and mediocrity, leading to moral and social decay. This paper relates that, in the last few decades, French-Canadian literature has become globalized with the inclusion of ethnic writers immigrating from Italy, Haiti, and China.

From the Paper:

"Patrice Lacombe wrote Paternal Ground in 1846, the very first "novel of the ground", as it later was called. This theme of the strong relationship with the land dominated French Canadian literature for nearly a century. Lacombe's work relates the despondency of a rural family following their youngest son's decision to leave home to travel abroad. The older son tries to keep the farm going, but loses it through bad business decisions. The father tries to work in the city, but is desolate. Fortunately, the young son returns with enough money to buy new land, and the family is safe once again."

More papers on French-Canadian Literature:

• Term Paper # 102339 : "Late 19th Century Working Class Women"
• Article Review # 132504 : "Ethnic Challenges and Oppression in Canada"
• Persuasive Essay # 134951 : "Algonkian and Iroquois Peoples in "Black Robe"

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