During the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Canada, reading became more than a mere pastime but a significant conduit for the dissemination of liberal ideals and the exploration of Canadian identity. This era saw an increasing literacy rate and a burgeoning interest in distinctly Canadian literature, indicative of a cultural transformation towards liberalism that emphasized individualism, education, and the potential for societal improvement. This paper argues that popular Canadian literature before 1914—through novels, poetry, and short stories—played a crucial role in reflecting and shaping public perceptions of identity, morality, and cultural values, thereby catalyzing a shift from Victorian conservatism to modern liberal thought.
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Authors used their narratives to weave together adventure and moral instruction, as seen in his muscular Christian fiction, which combined religious didacticism with the excitement of the Canadian wilderness. Connor's works such as The Man from Glengarry and The Sky Pilot resonated domestically and internationally, reflecting a morality that valued courage, sacrifice, and redemption, appealing to a readership grappling with the challenges of modernity and the ethics of the emerging mass culture. The early 20th century also witnessed the rise of female authors who challenged traditional gender roles and advocated for women's rights, reflecting the liberal values of equality and individual rights. Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables not only enjoyed immense popularity in the United States but also introduced a new kind of female protagonist who was spirited, ambitious, and intellectually curious. Similarly, Nellie McClung’s Sowing Seeds in Danny tackled societal norms directly, advocating for gender equality and embedding feminist ideas within accessible and popular literary
Authors used their narratives to weave together adventure and moral instruction, as seen in his muscular Christian fiction, which combined religious didacticism with the excitement of the Canadian wilderness. Connor's works such as The Man from Glengarry and The Sky Pilot resonated domestically and internationally, reflecting a morality that valued courage, sacrifice, and redemption, appealing to a readership grappling with the challenges of modernity and the ethics of the emerging mass culture. The early 20th century also witnessed the rise of female authors who challenged traditional gender roles and advocated for women's rights, reflecting the liberal values of equality and individual rights. Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables not only enjoyed immense popularity in the United States but also introduced a new kind of female protagonist who was spirited, ambitious, and intellectually curious. Similarly, Nellie McClung’s Sowing Seeds in Danny tackled societal norms directly, advocating for gender equality and embedding feminist ideas within accessible and popular literary