Examples Of Patriotism In The Country North Of Belleville

Julia DiPaolo
Dr. Robert May
ENGL 215
21 May 2023
Patriotism Vs. Perception: How Contemporary Poets Draw New
Perspectives of Land in Canadian Poetry The Canadian landscape is a consistent source of inspiration for poets across Canada; however, the ways in which the land is discussed have changed significantly over time due to the changing experiences and growing knowledge of Canadians. The Confederation Poets were one of the first groups to turn the Canadian landscape into an artistic medium due to their awe of the new land and shared aspirations for a budding nation. Similarly, the Contemporary poets carry on an appreciation for the land but take a new approach by integrating their personal experiences of Canadian culture into their writing.

In Purdy’s biography, Robert Lecker mentions that Purdy travelled to many places with diverse cultures, such as Italy, Greece, Hiroshima, England, Cuba, and various places within Canada (Lecker 256). These trips refined his sense of Canadian identity and how it differed from that of other countries, as well as inspiring him about Indigenous cultures in Canada (Lecker 256), which he frequently includes in his poetry. Purdy’s poem “The Country North of Belleville” is a significant example of how Purdy uses his life experiences and cultural knowledge to personalize his poetry and provide a unique perspective, specifically on the landscape of Canada. He begins the poem by describing the land as beautiful (Purdy 4-5), adding that “none deny him / for miles –” (Purdy 6-7). As the poem continues, Purdy’s perspective on the Canadian landscape begins to differ from that of traditional Canadian patriotism; instead of painting the land as a lush, fruitful resource, it is described as “the country of defeat / where Sisyphus rolls a big stone / year after year up the ancient hills” (Purdy 9-11). This metaphor displays how Purdy’s perception of the land differs from the Confederation poets’ descriptions. The confederation poets follow a cohesive narrative of successful nation-building due to the natural resources offered on Canada’s land, whereas Purdy uses his own biographical experiences of growing up in Canada and travelling outside of Canada to create a realistic representation of the Canadian identity. Purdy contrasts Canada’s harsh climates and “lean land” (Purdy 21) with “the fat south / with inches of black soil on earth’s round belly” (Purdy 22-24). Once again, Purdy uses his knowledge of foreign cultures to contrast life in Canada with other places