The Themes Of Nationalism In Barometer Rising, By Hugh Maclennan

Have you ever pondered why Canada has the Queen on the twenty dollar bill despite Europe and the United Kingdom being a whole ocean away? Canada is often said to be a peaceful country, but have you heard about our war with America? In the novel Barometer Rising, Hugh MacLennan describes Canada 's place in the world. Although Canada is commonly grouped with the United States, Barometer Rising proves with its strong themes of nationalism, that Canada’s role in the world is to be a strong nation, independent of the United States and well linked to Europe.

Barometer Rising takes place in Halifax, Nova Scotia and focuses on the impact World War I had on the province. Nova Scotia was well known in the 20th century for its production, handling, and

Therefore, with this quote, Penelope realises that Canada would be willing to throw away what make its provinces unique just for the sake of assisting the United States and the British Empire with the war effort. This quote also demonstrates the impact the United States can have on the culture and heritage of Canada and demonstrates the dangers of Canada becoming non-independent due to the eagerness to be cooperative. To summarize, Hugh MacLennan asks a moral question of whether it is acceptable to destroy culture to be able to assist other

It is because of Canada’s beginnings with Europe, Canadians see Elizabeth II on the twenty dollar bill along with many other denominations of older Canadian currency. In the twentieth century during the war times of WWI and WWII, Canadian soldiers were always seen fighting alongside the British army, this demonstrates the loyalty that Canada has to the British Empire even after its separation. It is this exceptional loyalty that Barometer Rising raises its main issues though Penelope’s character. It demonstrates how Canada can be so easily molded by the British Empire 's ideals and affairs, and through Penelope’s character, it demonstrates how extreme loyalty can be harmful to the growth and heritage of a country.

This is not to say that Canada should forget their beginnings with the British Empire, that would also be detrimental to the heritage of Canada. The issue Penelope raises is that overzealousness may not be the best approach for Canada to help in war. Ultimately, Penelope believes that Canada should assist the British Empire to its fullest extent, but not adopt the ways of the United States to do so. The solution to Penelope’s conflict is that Canada should strive to be both independent, but ready to assist its allies without compromising its