Canadian Classics: Two Solitudes

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Since its publication in 1945, Hugh MacLennan's novel has often been overshadowed by the cliché "Two Solitudes," a political phrase that simplifies Canada's quest for national unity. This misinterpretation does a disservice to the novel, which is far more nuanced than it appears. Set against the backdrop of the last days of the First World War and leading into the Second World War, it offers a rich panorama of Quebec's culture and politics. The first half unfolds in the fictional parish of Saint-Marc-des-Érables, where life resembles the 18th century. The community's two main figures, Athanase Tallard and Father Beaubien, are locked in a conflict over the parish's future—Tallard seeks industrial development with English-Canadian investment, while Beaubien wishes to preserve the status quo. As the narrative shifts to Montreal, it addresses the challenges faced by the next generation. Although the urban sections have been criticized as contrived, they are vital to MacLennan's vision of a burgeoning cosmopolitanism rather than a narrow nationalism. While the novel may not be a masterpiece—at times hokey or preachy—it remains an engaging human story and a thoughtful political commentary, reflecting the tensions that shaped modern Quebec.