Introduction

Québécois works is not a popular form of literature. Beyond French speaking Canadian provincial borders, it is not widespread or celebrated for that matter. However, brilliant authors often use their reputation and talent to bring the literature and its features to the world. For instance, Mordecai Richler is an author whose skills and talent as an author made Québécois well known among an audience outside the usual spectators. More so, there are certain themes that are common in Québécois literature such as identity and cultural plurality that the authors try to perpetuate due to their culture. This essay will critically analyze the significance of identity as a major theme in Québécois literature and its impact on literature works within the society as a whole.

Importance of Identity theme in Québécois literature

An identity theme encloses all the special features   and context that makes one to categorize with a certain nationality or even tribe. It encompasses symbols, body language that set   Québécois literature apart from the rest. Consequently, it defines character while generating a sense of belonging (Hébert, pg. 117).

Across all types of literature including Québécois, identity acts as the foundation that builds a plot of from the bottom to the top. Through a character, identity shapes plots and creates an immediate context. No matter the time, an identity reveals the actual picture of a situation as a plot thickens and changes due to various factors represented by an author. In other words, identity creates context and throughout an entire plot as other factors rely on identity given to a character (Rousselot, pg. 270).

Coupled with building a plot using characters, in Québécois literature, some of its protagonists can have an open window of opportunity to decide on an identity they want to exhibit in life. In most cases, the choices at their disposal are not easy. May be a character wants to parade a personality, which the society admires like bravery and honesty or being rich and philanthropic, and ends choosing simplicity. Yet, as a protagonist observes as other people settle on different identities, they realize it was not an easy task. Hence, identity reveals decisions and choices people make in their daily lives as they come to terms with requirements of their individuality (Rossard, pg. 109).

Equally important to note is that identity as a theme shows vitals fundamental concepts that makes one accept themselves. Self-acceptance is part and parcel of identity and it integrates society, race, and even sexual orientation. The combination that makes up an identity theme makes one to know how another individual experiences the world and his experiences when he or she comes across challenges (Polunin, pg. 160).

When examining the theme of identity, it is not only about culture such as clothes, language, and physical uniqueness. Identity themes bring out comprehensive view of ideology and perspective of Québécois as compared to other parts of the world. Not to dismiss that physical and biological characters are part of identity but they make up a small percentage. Thus, a theme drives an identity in more ways than the obvious ways such as ideology and perspective of various views (Polunin, pg. 109).

Uniquely, the theme of identity brings out the original message of the author. The theme of identity links the various parts of the story and brings out clearly the setting that a reader did not even know exists. Not only is identity pivotal in showing  the writer’s point of view but does not show any bias while conveying  the message  and transforming it into a more approachable  and interpretable message to various readers. In other words, the ability of  an identity based theme to accommodate opinion and shape the way audience think from both ends views is critical in allowing a third opinion to take route while reading  and discussing a book’s stylistic  and themes. Hence, the original intention of an author remains intact as it interacts with a reader and sets the pace for    attachment of personal opinion (Hébert, pg. 89).

The ability to create various identities themes drives the main plot of a story forward while at the same time making it interesting. For instance, if the protagonist has to save someone from an enemy for the main theme to come to the surface, the theme of identity will cement merits of both the protagonist and the bad guy in the book through analysis of how their actions cemented their personality and choices. Eventually, a protagonist’s character shaped by his or her identity brings forth the underlying truth of the matter. Therefore, the plot becomes interesting as identity themes makes a reader concentrate on other facets of the plot (Rousselot, pg. 124).

Finally yet importantly, identity is key to building twists within a story. The theme of identity creates and enables a platform where one can make twists to a plot. In order to recognize the twist a reader has to take a multifaceted perspective to know and anticipate the identity and try to predict their behavior and actions. Hence, an identity theme enables many angles to the story (Hébert, pg. 27).

As shown above, identity theme within Québécois literature moves the plot forward as it connects various facets of the plot and creates twists and turns within the main plot while giving a hint into actions and choices of a character. More so, the entire identity theme allows an author to share ideas and opinion not common in other parts of the world while navigating a swifter path.

Reference

Hébert, Anne. In the Shadow of the Wind. Trans. Sheila Fischman. Toronto: Stoddart, 1983

Polunin, Jacques. Volkswagen Blues Trans. Sheila Fischman. Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 1988

Rossard, Nicole. Mauve Desert. Trans. Susanne de Lotbinière-Harwood. Toronto: Coach House Press, 1987

Rousselot, Elodie. Re-writing Women into Canadian History: Margaret Atwood and Anne Hébert. , 2013.