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Imperialist

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By: (1861-1922)

Imperialist by Sara Jeannette Duncan is a thought-provoking novel that delves into themes of colonialism, gender roles, and cultural identity. Set in British India during the height of the British Empire, the story follows the life of Lorne Murchison, a young British official who becomes entangled in the intricate web of politics and power dynamics within the colonial administration.

The novel offers a rich and nuanced portrayal of the complex relationships between the British colonizers and the native Indian population, highlighting the inherent inequalities and injustices of the imperialist system. Duncan skillfully explores the tensions between tradition and modernity, as well as the conflicting desires for power, autonomy, and belonging.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its exploration of gender roles and expectations. Through the character of Lorne's wife, Mrs. Lorne, Duncan critiques the limited options available to women in a patriarchal society and the ways in which they navigate and resist these constraints.

Overall, Imperialist is a compelling and insightful work that sheds light on the complexities and contradictions of colonialism. Duncan's writing is both engaging and thought-provoking, making this a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the legacy of imperialism in literature.

Book Description:
“The Imperialist,” a novel by Sara Jeannette Duncan, published in 1904, is a portrait of life in small-town Ontario at the beginning of the 20th century.
At that time, English Canada was torn between affectionate loyalty for the “mother country” , and, on the other side, hard-headed respect for the demands of life in the shadow of the dynamic American economy.
Main characters find themselves in problematic love stories that unfold against the backdrop of a society that is working out its national identity. These national issues would continue to vex Canada for decades to come. The author is ambivalent about the larger debates, but offers richly specific, subtle, and entertaining observations of manners and morals.
In the decades since publication, “The Imperialist” has been increasingly appreciated as a landmark in Canadian fiction. Critic and scholar Peter Allen has written: “Duncan is an eloquent and important witness to the ambiguity of [Canada’s] developing national identity in the years before World War I.”

NOTE: In this novel, a brief depiction of Native Canadians uses what we today recognize as offensive stereotypes. It is policy to record texts as their authors originally intended. *
- Summary by Bruce Pirie


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