From Non-identity To Candaian-ness

Canada.as a young nation. was frequently perplexed by questions like "who am I?" and "where is here'?" Many writers have been in quest of its self-identity in their literary creations. Margaret Laurence is no exception. She is one of the most successful writers in exploring and constructing Canadian identity and Canadian-ness.The author of this thesis focused the study on the awareness of non-identity, and Canadian-ness in Manawaka Cycle fiction by Laurence. By conducting a thematic reading of the Cycle, coupled with detailed textual analysis, especially, of the successful characterization of its characters of different times, cultures, races, faiths and genders, the writer found that they have something in common—survival. Female characters of three generations never cease to fighting for survival and searching for their identity. Immigrants, reluctant as they are, keep escaping and seeking until they realize their returning in spirit—Canada is where they belong. Stern fathers are stiffnecks of more hard qualities than soft ones. Harsh surviving environment should be responsible. Indians, the ever-victimized, suffer and strive, fighting with their fate for survival and identity. What's more, a prospect of peaceful co-existence is unfolded by Laurence. Co-existence of different peoples is the strongest tune in the popular theme of multiculturalism in postmodern context.Literature provides readers with the mean to discover and create their identity. The Manawaka Cycle offers the Canadian reading public their orientation and location.So they are cnabled to find the answer to "who am I?" and "where is here?"—self-identity.Thus.the Canadian reading public.along with Laurence, complete their joruney from the non-identity to Canadian-nes...