Linda Hutcheon's *The Canadian Postmodern*-CORE VIII CANADIAN STUDIES

 

UNIT – V

  Hutcheon, Linda. The Canadian Postmodern.

  King, Thomas. "Godzilla vs. Post-Colonial".

  Kroetsch, Robert. Selections from his collection The Lovely Treachery of Words: Essays Selected and New “Disunity as Unity: A Canadian Strategy"

  Frye, Northrop. Last Essay on the Bush Garden.

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Linda Hutcheon's *The Canadian Postmodern* offers an insightful analysis of postmodernism in Canadian literature, addressing its complexities and nuances.

    Chapter One: Introduction 

In this introductory chapter, Hutcheon sets the stage for her exploration of Canadian postmodernism. She defines postmodernism not merely as a style but as a critical lens through which to examine literature, history, and cultural identity in Canada. Hutcheon also discusses the challenges and opportunities that arise when applying postmodern theories to Canadian texts.

    Chapter Two: Caveat Lector: The Early Postmodernism of Leonard Cohen 

This chapter focuses on Leonard Cohen, exploring how his early work embodies the characteristics of postmodernism. Hutcheon examines themes of irony, self-reflexivity, and the blending of genres in Cohen's poetry and music. She argues that his work reflects the complexities of identity and existence, establishing him as a key figure in Canadian postmodern literature.

    Chapter Three: The Postmodernism Scribe: The Dynamic Stasis of Contemporary Canadian Writing 

Hutcheon discusses the diverse voices in contemporary Canadian literature, emphasizing the idea of a "dynamic stasis." She explores how Canadian writers negotiate their identities and cultural contexts, creating a literary landscape that is both rich and varied. This chapter highlights the multiplicity of narratives and perspectives that define Canadian postmodernism.

    Chapter Four: Historiographic Metafiction 

This pivotal chapter introduces the concept of historiographic metafiction, a term Hutcheon coined to describe narratives that engage with history while simultaneously critiquing it. She examines how Canadian authors use this technique to challenge traditional historical narratives, blending fiction with historical events to create new meanings.

    Chapter Five: The Postmodern Challenge to Boundaries 

In this chapter, Hutcheon addresses the fluidity of genre and form in postmodern literature. She discusses how Canadian writers blur the boundaries between fiction and reality, high and low culture, and various literary genres. This chapter emphasizes the idea that postmodernism questions established norms and encourages experimentation.

    Chapter Six: ‘Shape Shifters': Canadian Women Writers and the Tradition 

Hutcheon focuses on the contributions of Canadian women writers to postmodern literature. She explores how these writers "shape-shift" within and against literary traditions, creating unique narratives that reflect their experiences and challenges. This chapter highlights the importance of feminist perspectives in understanding Canadian postmodernism.

    Chapter Seven: Process, Produce, and Politics: The Postmodernism of Margaret Atwood 

This chapter examines Margaret Atwood's work through the lens of postmodernism. Hutcheon discusses Atwood's engagement with political themes, narrative form, and gender issues. She argues that Atwood's writing exemplifies the complexities of contemporary Canadian literature, as it both reflects and critiques social and cultural dynamics.

    Chapter Eight: Seeing Double: Concluding with Kroetsch 

In the concluding chapter, Hutcheon reflects on the works of Robert Kroetsch and his contributions to Canadian postmodernism. She discusses the interplay of myth, identity, and narrative structure in Kroetsch's work, emphasizing how his writing encapsulates the postmodern condition in Canada. Hutcheon’s analysis underscores the importance of multiple voices in constructing Canadian literary identity.

    Conclusion 

Hutcheon's *The Canadian Postmodern* provides a comprehensive examination of postmodernism in Canadian literature, illustrating how various authors engage with and challenge cultural narratives. Through her analysis of specific writers and themes, Hutcheon highlights the complexity and richness of Canadian literary identity in a postmodern context.