How do the allusions you are exploring in you novel ‘fit into’ our discussions on Canadian Literature, Literature in Canada, or being in Literature?
I think there may be some appropriation going on with Patrick Lewis taking on the plight of the immigrants and the poor working conditions they are subject to. It interesting that Ondaatje makes a point of marking Patrick Lewis's whiteness with a sense of purposelessness and yet he evolves into the hero who fights on behalf of the immigrant workers. Does the fact that Patrick is white have to mean it's appropriation? I think it's a little more complicated than that. The link I included proved to be insightful if you watch from around 51:38 for a few minutes.
I think there may be some appropriation going on with Patrick Lewis taking on the plight of the immigrants and the poor working conditions they are subject to. It interesting that Ondaatje makes a point of marking Patrick Lewis's whiteness with a sense of purposelessness and yet he evolves into the hero who fights on behalf of the immigrant workers. Does the fact that Patrick is white have to mean it's appropriation? I think it's a little more complicated than that. The link I included proved to be insightful if you watch from around 51:38 for a few minutes.
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