Backwoods writers
Early Canadian writers, Catherine Parr Traill and Susana Moodie are distinct individuals offering entirely different approaches to writing. Traill's The Backwoods of Canada and Moodie's Roughing it in the Bush reflect these stylistic differences. Although their methods and approach differ, their common beliefs system based on, similar background comes through. Their very euro centric perspective can be seen by examining their dealings with native's religion and what comes across in both is the idea of the noble savageTraill's technique comes through in many ways one of which is the fundamental structure of her piece in that she juxtaposes the positive aspects of Canada with the negative, attempting to present a balanced argument. This gives the piece a very contrived feel. Another way her style is revealed is in terms of purpose for writing. Traill is attempting to create a manual for coming to Canada. This is significant because it limits and confines her writing. On the one hand she cannot present an entirely negative piece about Canada because no one would want to come. On the other hand, an entirely positive piece would be completely unrealistic and do nothing to prepare one for emigration. Her tone through her writing s
She then goes on to further praise they purity of their worship as not clouded with modern skepticism. This portrayal is very demeaning towards the Natives. First, in this narration she very much westernizes the Natives as it is unlikely they were Christians in the same sense as the Europeans. It is once again euro centric in that while telling the anecdote when diminish the eastern peoples because of their differing religion. Moodie's reaction is one of ashamed inferiority (Moodie 287). In a short quote she says, " they may be said to receive the truths of the Gospel as little children, with simplicity of heart. She would like the piece to be applicable to most everyone. This is very different from her sister, who attempts to be objective, because she lays on the line her own honest perspective. She characterizes them as devout Christians because of their strict observance of the Sabbath. The first incident concerning the natives and religion is one with a sword. She sets the tone in introduction offering an accurate picture as to why people emigrate and at times she is very critical and paints an unflattering picture of Canada. Although this portrayal is contradictory, it is typical of the Europeans idea of the Nobel Savage. This is a much more individualized approach.
Common topics in this essay:
Roughing Bush,
Indians Moodie,
Nobel Savage,
God Moodie's,
Rice Lake,
Moodie Traill,
Susana Moodie,
,
euro centric,
hand entirely,
eastern peoples,
little children,
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Acceptance Essays
