The Stone Angel as a Canadian Novel

I think it is worth considering what exactly makes a given novel Canadian (or American, or British for that matter).

The poorest grounds to establish The Stone Angel`s Canadian-ness upon are that it was written by a Canadian or that it is set in Canada.

Many writers , including Laurence, write novels set in other parts of the world and it would be tough to argue that most of them are strong examples of Canadian novels.

On the other hand, Susanna Moodie wrote a novel called Roughing it in the Bush describing her travels in what used to be known as Upper and Lower Canada, but it is set before Canada was even confederated. There are many novels that would be more deserving of status as a Canadian novel.

So a Canadian novel has to be in some way tied in to the idea of Canada. This is a problem in a country that is so diverse in its people and regions. A Canadian novel would somehow have to tie into some themes and aspects of Canada that are widely applicable.

Themes:

Acknowledged racist treatment of Metis and First Nations people.

Classicism that exists in Canada, contrary to the popular myth.

The fortitude of the pioneer generation.

Buying and selling of Chineese immigrants (Mr. Oatley)

Ontario and Cities as places of economic opportunity and culture

Historical Aspects of the Novel:

The dirty thirties, economic depression and Bennet buggies

Vimy Ridge

Idiom of different generations