Positive Impact of Alice Munro on Canada Essay Sample

Alice Munro had a positive impact on Canada. Equally noteworthy, she not only defied gender stereotypes, but she also became the first Canadian woman to receive the Nobel Prize and pioneered opportunities for individuals who write short tales. Her impact was not only noticed all over Canada but worldwide. According to the Canadian Encyclopedia entry on Alice Munro, she defied the role and was the first Canadian woman to win the Nobel Prize. “In 2013, she became the first Canadian to win the Nobel Prize for literature. Alice Munro is widely regarded as one of the most important short-story writers, not just in Canada but in the English-speaking world as a whole.” Alice Munro was the foremost Canadian woman to win the Nobel Prize and the 19th woman to win anywhere. When she started writing, it was uncommon to see female writers. Women were expected to stay home and take care of their families. She has inspired many people to begin their objective of writing because she withstood the downgrading of gender roles of her time. According to the Alice Munro Festival, the purpose of the two-day “Festival” is to promote, inspire and allow those who write short stories an opportunity to do so. Furthermore, the festival has a program for children to participate in. Celebrated Canadian authors share their stories with students in schools through the Foundation for Education. Likewise, this festival has provided many opportunities for writers and has presented several award-winning writers from Canada, including Margaret Atwood, Emma Donoghue, Michael Ondaatje, Vivek Shraya, Jane Urquart, and Ian Williams. Her festival had inspired many great Canadian short story writers and impacted the literacy community in Canada. According to the New York Times entry on Alice Munro, she had always wanted to be a writer but was scared because she was Canadian and a woman. Alice said, “but back then, you didn't go around announcing something like that. You didn't call attention. Maybe it was being Canadian, maybe it was being a woman. Maybe both”. She defied those who went against her and followed her dream. Alice was born during the great depression. Correspondingly, The Great Depression started, many women were forced back into domestic service. When Alice was growing up, it was unique to see a woman become so successful in what would have been understood as a man's role. Alice continuously desired to be a writer, but she didn't express anything like that. She didn't call attention. Perhaps it was being Canadian, possibly it was being a woman. But she eventually published her book and got a lot of recognition from it. Alice Munro not only disobeyed the roles of gender but became the first Canadian woman to win the Nobel Prize. Her festival initiated promoting opportunities for those who compose short stories. Furthermore, her writing allowed other women to follow in her footsteps and follow their dreams. These pieces of evidence prove that she had a great impact on Canada.