Margaret Laurence
Biography
Margaret Laurence (born Jean Margaret Wemyss) was a prominent Canadian novelist and short story writer. Born in Neepawa, Manitoba, her experiences growing up on the Canadian Prairies profoundly influenced her most celebrated works. She lived for several years in Africa (Somalia, Ghana), which informed her early novels dealing with themes of colonialism and cultural encounter. Upon her return to Canada, she began her renowned 'Manawaka cycle' of novels and short stories, set in a fictional Manitoba town, exploring the lives of strong, complex women grappling with issues of identity, family, religion, and their place in a changing world. Her work is a cornerstone of Canadian literature, celebrated for its psychological depth and lyrical prose.
Selected Thoughts
«We have to comprehend the whole idea of what kind of society we want to live in and the kind of values we want to have.»
«The only way to cope with life was to find yourself a woman, and the only way to cope with death was to find yourself a God.»
«A person can't know where he's going until he knows where he's been.»
Writing Style
Laurence's writing style is characterized by its lyrical and often introspective quality, deep psychological exploration of characters, and a strong sense of place. She frequently employed stream-of-consciousness narration, vivid imagery, and a blend of realism and poetic language. Her prose is emotionally resonant, often focusing on the inner lives and struggles of her protagonists, particularly women in various stages of life.