Canadian Identity

A nation’s identity is extremely arduous to characterize because it encompasses such an immense population spanning an enormous land mass. Canada’s identity is even more ambiguous because Canada’s peoples seem to be less outspoken than most. Canadian pride is less said than written and so it is in Canadian literature that the strong voice of the Canadian character can be heard. Within these compositions lie many different views containing various beliefs pertaining to the Canadian identity yet, they all seem to contain a few similarities. Through literature, the Canadian identity has been characterized by its multicultural society, its firm grasp on its heritage and its diverse landscape.

Though Canada is a diverse country, it is in these differences that Canadian Literature has recognized the Canadian identity. Canada’s identity can be associated with its tolerance and promotion of multiculturalism and diversity. Within Canada lie many distinct cultures and languages. This is unique, in that, most often nations, such as the United States, force or promote the assimilation of all it peoples into one large society, where there is no cultural diversity. Nations typically identify with similarities in its

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Within Canada also lies the greatest amount of freshwater lakes in the world and also a vast amount of forests. Canada recognizes their importance and pays tribute to these people so they can keep their society untainted. Reservations do allow the people to maintain intact as they have always been" (MacLaine pg. The distinct cultures living within Canada are clearly apparent in Canadian literature as seen in:

“…the Caribou Eskimos – who knew nothing of the sea and nothing about white men. Another aspect of Canada that cannot be ignored is its beautiful landscape. In this diverse landscape, as shown through literature, Canada finds its own identity.

It is in Canada’s diverse and unique landscape that it sets itself apart from all other nations. The water, protected by the forest, is untouched by the winds yet the ripples in the lake can be seen as the sun shimmers on the crystal surface.

Through Canada’s multiculturalism, diverse landscape and its remembrance of its heritage, as shown through literature, Canada’s identity is revealed. These Inuit people lived free of the typical Canadian culture because Canada respects individuality rather than uniformity. The setting sun's reflection in the water is only dampened by the trees, which isolate the lake and form a secluded alcove. Each contains very unique characteristics that help to differentiate itself from the next. XIX)

“…these Eskimos who still hunted with bows and arrows, living the life their people had known since prehistoric times.

Approximate Word count = 1322
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

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