Munro Literature Reflection

What is the purpose and benefit of the study of literature?

In my opinion, we study literature because it has implications in our everyday life whether we're aware of it or not. Literature allows us to experience the world from a variety of viewpoints other than our own which can allow us to become more open towards the world around us. Literature can also improve our communication skills and greatly enhance our vocabulary, enabling us to write in a more sophisticated manner.

What is women’s literature and what is the value in studying it?

Women's literature is a sub-category of literature written by female authors that is focused solely on women and their experiences. Women's literature is about giving a voice to a group of people who once faced great oppression and where therefore unable to communicate their stories. This genre tends to expose deeply rooted societal issues involving women through personal stories. It's important to study this genre as it helps us understand the oppression that many women felt and still do feel in today's society.

Although she does not identify as a feminist writer, how has Munro’s work contributed to gender equality?

While Munro may not identify as a feminist writer, her work has contributed to gender equality as it often focuses on female protagonists and the struggles they face in society. In an interview, Munro discusses how she doesn't actually mind doing housework however, she disagrees with the fact that it was expected of her to stay at home and clean the house. This defiance of gender roles and unfair societal expectations often comes up in Munro's writing therefore contributing to the idea that women should not be confined to simple housework.

What do you enjoy most about the content of Munro’s work and what impact has it had on you?

While reading the short stories, I found Munro's plot style to be quite intriguing and effective. I thought it was  interesting how her plots are far from linear as this definitely made the stories more interesting to read. For example, the short story Passion begins with the character visiting a small town and commenting on how its changed. From this point in the story we go back to the beginning in order to discover how it is that this character came to be in this place. Another aspect of her style that I particularly enjoyed was that Munro didn't feel the need to make everything a happy ending. Many authors often feel like they must end a story with a happily ever after however, in Runaway we are left with the foreshadowing that Clarke would end up killing Carla. The way in which Munro embraces the true nature of the world enhances her writing and gives it some sense of realism.