The aim of the following paper is an analysis of selected poems of Claire Harris and Olive Senior in regard of the theme that connects the poetic work of these two women writers – identity. At first glance, it might come as quite a surprise to some readers that the literary artist Harris and Senior share a connection in their poetical exploration of themes. However after having a short glance, a commonalty between them will became apparent. Due to the subject the essay is informed by concepts of feminism, post-colonialism and cultural studies in order to depict the different ways in which identity is addressed in their work.
The aim of the following paper is an analyses of selected poems of Claire Harris and Olive Senior in regard of the theme that connects the poetic work of these two women writers – identity. At first glance, it might come as quite a surprise to some readers that the literary artist Harris and Senior share a connection in their poetical exploration of themes. However after having a short glance, a commonalty between them will became apparent. Due to the subject the essay is informed by concepts of feminism, post-colonialism and cultural studies in order to depict the different ways in which identity is addressed in their work.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Why is identity an issue in Canadian Caribbean women poetry?
2.1 Perceptions of gender
2.2 History of Colonialism
2.3 Exile
3 Conclusion
Objectives and Topics
The research paper aims to analyze selected poems by Claire Harris and Olive Senior, exploring how both authors construct and navigate the concept of Caribbean diasporic identity within the context of Canadian society and their own cultural heritage.
- The influence of gender roles and societal expectations on female identity.
- The impact of colonial history and educational systems on post-colonial self-perception.
- The complex experiences of home, belonging, and displacement in the context of migration.
- An intertextual reading of Caribbean Canadian poetry through feminist and post-colonial lenses.
Excerpt from the Book
Perceptions of gender
One important factor in shaping individual identity is the concept of gender. As critics have repeatedly drawn attention to the fact that the surge in women poets has resulted in giving a new perspective to common themes in Caribbean poetry (Brown and McWatt XXXI), among them identity, it seems to be necessary to evaluate the impact of gender on identity in Harris's and Senior's poetry as well. For women, identity is even more important. (Gikandi 197ff) In her essay “Why Do I Write”, Harris even explicitly stated that one of her main concerns in writing is to “[...] reveal what happens when a woman must deal with the realities of racial as well as gender subjugation” (Harris "Why Do I Write" 27). Among the several verses dealing with the role of gender in the formation of women’s identity; Senior’s “One Night, the Father” or “The Mother”, Harris’s “Nude On a Pale Staircase” or “Policement Cleared in Jaywalking Case”; the paper will focus on the formation of gender roles in Caribbean society to evaluate their influence on individual identity.
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: This chapter outlines the growing scholarly interest in Caribbean literature in Canada and defines the paper's aim to examine identity through the lens of feminist and post-colonial theory in the work of Claire Harris and Olive Senior.
2 Why is identity an issue in Canadian Caribbean women poetry?: This chapter investigates the theoretical foundations of identity, focusing on how personal and cultural identities are challenged by external factors.
2.1 Perceptions of gender: This section explores the construction of female identity and gender roles, using poems like "Birdshooting Season" and "Child This Is the Gospel on Bakes" to illustrate the tension between patriarchal societal expectations and the desire for female autonomy.
2.2 History of Colonialism: This section analyzes how colonial legacies and educational systems influence the self-image of Caribbean subjects, specifically looking at how European ideals are imposed upon Caribbean identity.
2.3 Exile: This section examines the concept of home and belonging, discussing how migration to Canada reshapes the poets' sense of self and their relationship to their Caribbean roots.
3 Conclusion: This chapter synthesizes the findings, confirming that while Harris and Senior use different approaches, both demonstrate that identity for Caribbean Canadian women is a fluid, evolving state deeply influenced by gender, race, and the impact of colonization.
Keywords
Caribbean literature, Canadian poetry, Identity, Claire Harris, Olive Senior, Feminism, Post-colonialism, Diaspora, Gender roles, Colonialism, Exile, Belonging, Cultural identity, Race, Social subjugation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this academic paper?
The paper focuses on the construction of identity in the poetry of Claire Harris and Olive Senior, specifically addressing how Caribbean women in the Canadian diaspora navigate their cultural and personal identities.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The central themes include the impact of gender roles, the legacy of colonial history, the experience of exile, and the struggle for belonging within a multicultural society.
What is the primary research objective?
The objective is to analyze how Harris and Senior represent the specific challenges and nuances of the Caribbean Canadian female experience through their poetic work.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The author employs a literary analysis informed by feminist theory, post-colonial studies, and cultural studies to interpret selected poems.
What does the main body of the work address?
The main body examines gender perceptions, colonial history's influence on education and self-image, and the complexities of exilic identity as reflected in the poets' specific works.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The work is characterized by terms such as Caribbean literature, Canadian diaspora, identity formation, gender subjugation, post-colonialism, and cultural displacement.
How does Senior portray the 'black matriarch' myth in her work?
Senior addresses this myth as a narrative device that often disguises the systemic powerlessness women face in wider society, aiming to dismantle this stereotype through her poetry.
In what way does the paper discuss the 'metaphor of the edge' in Harris's poetry?
The paper explains that Harris uses the metaphor of the edge to illustrate the marginalization of black women in Canadian society and their refusal to be assimilated into racist power structures.
- Citar trabajo
- Anonym (Autor), 2010, New Selves. Issues of Identity in the Caribbean Canadian Poetry of Claire Harris and Olive Senior, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/343106
