Fluid motion: An examination into the function and future of the Canadian literary cano

The aim of this paper is to establish an understanding of the purpose of the Canadian canon. Particular attention is given to the questions of the national canon's evolution and its purpose in a period of deteriorating national unity. How can the Canadian literary canon remain relevant as an instrument of unification when multiple cultural expressions are not effectively represented within its contents? This paper contends a central canon can remain relevant in contemporary Canada only through continuous re-assessment. By providing a fluid environment that respects and listens to individual artists' contributions the collective literature of the Canadian canon will maintain an authentic representation of its members. Through this thesis readers will gain better insight into the purpose of constructing a canon and the implications of using "classics" to promote the illusion of a shared tradition.