Apologia

Anyone can name a novel or a section of novels that they enjoy. Many people can name authors and other authors they have been suggested to read or also enjoyed themselves. Within that list, ask them how many are Canadian and chances are they won't know. In fact many people, including Canadians can't name a few. This author and his works are significant contributions to Canadian literature because of all his great successes.

Basic characteristics of Canadian literature are “(1) nature, (2) frontier life, (3) Canada’s position in the world” (Characteristics of Canadian Literature, 2005.). In “The Last of the Crazy People” did not focus too much on these characteristics, but there are parts in which nature is important. Hooker’s private sanctuary was in a dark thick green forest. There were sections which Findley described the forest deeply, but remained focused and only described scenery when it was necessary. Findley contributed many wonderful pieces of Canadian literacy and “[was] recognized as one of Canada’s preeminent literary figures” (eNotes, 2006). It is noted that in Findley’s works “he frequently [made] reference to historical events, figures, and other works of literature, and his writings” (eNotes, 2006). Findley has contributed many successful books such as “The Wars”, “Telling of Lies”, “The Piano Man’s Daughter”, “Spadework”, and more. After his first two novels (that were not published in Canada) he became more well known and by the time he published his third book, “The Wars”, he was known over Canada, the United States, and England. Even though his first two novels were rejected by Canadian publishers this proves how his work is significant because when he kept writing he eventually was recognized and honoured by Canada. Canada recognized all his contributions to Canadian literacy and acknowledged this by being a recipient of numerous rewards such as “the Governor General’s award and numerous other prizes, he has received the Canada Council Senior Arts Award, an ANIK award for the documentary Dieppe: 1942 (1979) and an Association of Canadian Television and Radio Artists award for The National Dream (1974), a series of scripts about the development of the Canadian railway system” (eNotes, 2006). Timothy Findley did not only write a collection of novels and plays, but also wrote short stories which “share thematic similarities with many of his novels and have been collected in Dinner along the Amazon (1984) and Stones (1988)” (eNotes, 2006). Timothy Findley wrote many novels, plays, short stories, etc. including pieces that are significant to Stratford, Ontario residents. Timothy Findley “joined the original ensemble of the Stratford Festival in 1953” (O’Malley, 2009). He offered many wonderful works for everyone, especially Canadians to enjoy either reading or watching.

It is very important to understand who Timothy Findley was and all his contributions to this country. I moved to Stratford two years before Findley died, and I never knew who he was or his accomplishments until I completed this project. He wrote many plays, directed, and casted in that were performed at the Stratford Festival Theatre. In 2000, “his most successful play [Elizabeth Rex], premiered at the Stratford Festival”(" Northwest Passages, 2009). This play also “won him another Governor General’s Award”(Duffy, 2009). Canadians should recognize Findley along with other Canadian artists. Findley follows many of the ideal characteristics of Canadian literature. It is important to recognize that it has been said about Timonthy Findley that his "'international reputation [is] second only to that of Margaret Atwood.'" (eNotes, 2006). Being compared to Margaret Atwood is a great honour because she is very renoun to not only Canadians but people all over the world. Candians especailly, should feel encoruaged to read Timothy Findley's novels and other works, and know that they are reading something beautiful and creative they many critics have praised.