Atwood’s contribution to Canadian Literature: Survival

Atwood has contributed greatly to the canonization of Canadian literature. She has been highlighted not only in Canada, but also internationally. First of all, she is known for her literary criticism, Survival: A Thematic Guide to Canadian Literature.

One of the commentaries on Survival says:
“When first published in 1972, Survival was considered the most startling book ever written about Canadian literature. Since then, it has continued to be read and taught, and it continues to shape the way Canadians view themselves. Distinguished, provocative, and written in effervescent, compulsively readable prose, Survival is simultaneously a book of criticism, a manifesto, and a collection of personal and subversive remarks.”

In Survival, Atwood extends Canadian identity and argues that Canadian literature or being in Canadian Literature is characterized by the symbol of survival. Here is a clip where a Professor (Professor Crowley) discusses Atwood’s theory of survival in Canadian literature. The symbol of survival is expressed through the use of “victim positions” in order to distinguish Canadian literature from other literature. Atwood’s Theory of Survival is greatly influenced by Northrop Frye’s theory of garrison mentality.

With the theme of Survival, Atwood therefore discerns a uniquely Canadian literature, distinct from its American and British counterparts. Canadian literature, she argues, is primarily concerned with victims and with the victim’s ability to survive unforgiving circumstances. Similar to other countries or cultures with a symbol (for instance, America's frontier, England's island), Atwood states that Canada and Canadian literature forms around the theme of survival. In fact, her work also exemplifies the theme of survival of Canadian literature. She examines destructive gender roles and expresses national concern over the subordinate role Canada (victim) to the United States (victor). 

Atwood’s contribution to the theorizing of Canadian Literature is not limited to her non-fiction works. The Journals of Susanna Moodie, Alias Grace, The Blind Assassin, Surfacing, are some of her works that contributed to the postmodern literary theory of Canadian Literature. Linda Hutcheon calls it “Historiographic Metafiction.” Atwood explores the relation of history and narrative and the process of creating history. Atwood is recognized as the “Queen of Canadian Literature,” as she has written various pieces of literature and contributed a great amount in expanding literature in Canada.