Women's liberation as portrayed through the writings of Nellie McClung and Francis Beynon : an agrarian reform perspective
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This thesis examines the writings of Nellie McClung and Francis Beynon as examples of early twentieth century prairie literature which deals with the issues of women's freedom from an agrarian reform perspective. Since an understanding of the reform movement is necessary in order to understand the literature of the two writers, the thesis examines economic conditions; it considers theological argument and religious faith; and it considers social factors of particular relevance to the structure of reform ideology. We then look at the reasons for the interrelationship between the reform movement and the suffragist organization on the Canadian prairies. The backgrounds of the authors are discussed in detail. Both writers had an agrarian upbringing and both were strongly involved in reformist and suffragist activities. Both wrote articles and essays attempting to make farm women aware of the way in which they were exploited and the need to fight for social and political reforms. The specific novels which are discussed are Francis Beynon's Aleta Dey, and Nellie McClung's trilogy: Sowing Seeds in Danny, Second Chance and Purple Springs. Other writings which are examined in detail include McClung's book of essays, In Times Like These, and Beynon's articles and editorials in The Grain Growers' Guide.
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This work is available on request. You can request a copy at https://library.carleton.ca/forms/request-pdf-copy-thesis
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Copyright © 1983 the author(s). Theses may be used for non-commercial research, educational, or related academic purposes only. Such uses include personal study, research, scholarship, and teaching. Theses may only be shared by linking to Carleton University Institutional Repository and no part may be used without proper attribution to the author. No part may be used for commercial purposes directly or indirectly via a for-profit platform; no adaptation or derivative works are permitted without consent from the copyright owner.
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- 1983
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