Skip to content

Canada, having few indigenous prejudices, has been…

“Canada, having few indigenous prejudices, has been compelled to import them from elsewhere, duty-free, and it is the rare Canadian who is not shaken, at some time in the year, by "old, unhappy, far-off things / And battles long ago", like Wordsworth's solitary reaper. We are a nation of…” quote by Robertson Davies
Download Open image
“Canada, having few indigenous prejudices, has been compelled to import them from elsewhere, duty-free, and it is the rare Canadian who is not shaken, at some time in the year, by "old, unhappy, far-off things / And battles long ago", like Wordsworth's solitary reaper. We are a nation of immigrants, and not happy in our minds.”

Robertson Davies

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Canada imports external prejudices, feeling unsettled by distant historical conflicts, reflecting immigrant identity and collective melancholy.

In simple terms: Canada adopts foreign biases, causing unease.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and address inherited biases.

Themes

identity history immigration collective memory

Mood

thoughtful somber

Type

literary analytical

When to use this quote

  • education
  • policy making
  • community dialogue
  • personal reflection

Key Concepts

post‑colonial theory national narrative

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do imported prejudices affect national identity?
  • What steps can heal collective melancholy?
A Different Perspective

Changing deep‑rooted biases is complex and slow.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Robertson Davies

Explore all 357 Robertson Davies quotes

More Battle quotes

Browse all 4,526 Battle quotes