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Margaret
Atwood: A Canadian Novelist  |
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The Range of the Blind Assassin
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fiction is at its best, it appeals to something universal in the human experience
even though the particular work may be set in a time or place that is not
the direct experience of the reader. Margaret Atwood's 10th novel has won
critical acclaim in Canada and internationally, but it also received one
bad review, in the influential New York Times Book Review-a rare occurrence
for Atwood. The awarding of the Booker Prize to the novel, however, suggests
an international appeal, an understanding of the novel that goes beyond
Canadian borders. As you view this News in Review report on Atwood's latest
work, consider how the novel might appeal to all human beings. What themes,
issues, emotions, or experiences are not just Canadian? Use the following
questions as focal points. The Context 1. Where is the story set? Think in terms of both time and space. 2. What social issues are brought up in the course of the book? 3. How did Atwood find out about the time and place in which her work was set? 4. When asked about why she insists upon historical accuracy Atwood said: "You want to have it be the way that it should be. You want people wearing what they would have worn and eating what they would have eaten." Why is this necessary? What does historical accuracy add to a piece of fiction? It is, after all, fiction. 5. What distinction does Atwood make between the citizen and the artist? 6. According to Atwood what is the danger in an artist structuring his or her art around an ideology or a cause? 7. From what she says in this report, what do you think Atwood believes to be the primary responsibility of an artist? 8. Atwood relates a story about someone doing an experimental video who complained that Canadian celebrities (namely her) were not glamorous enough. What is the implied comparison here? What is Atwood saying about the character of Canadians? Follow-Up Discussion Why do you think Margaret Atwood set this story in the time and place she did? If you were to write a short story or novel where would you set it? What would affect your choice of the time and space? Why do you think The Blind Assassin won the Booker Prize? |
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Comprehensive
News in Review Study Modules Using both
the print and non-print material from various issues of News in Review,
teachers and students can create comprehensive, thematic modules that
are excellent for research purposes, independent assignments, and small
group study. We recommend the stories indicated below for the universal
issues they represent and for the archival and historic material they
contain. |
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