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The aim of this thesis is to introduce the reader to Italian Canadian literature and the writers quest for identity in a postcolonial world. First, a brief historical overview is given. As a next step Italian Canadian literature from its beginnings to the present day is discussed; the most important writers and publications are mentioned and Italian Canadian literature is analyzed in its relation to the national literatures of Canada and Italy. In chapter three the question of language(s) is discussed. Further the theories of post-colonialism with special attention to Homi K. Bhabha s ideas are introduced. On the basis of this discussion the models of Antonio D Alfonso, Italian Canadian writer and critic, are investigated and specific passages of text are examined. In the last chapter Italian Canadian female writing in its particular status is analyzed and set into contrast to male Italian Canadian writing. This thesis is aimed at readers interested in how people, more specifically writers from an immigration background, come to terms with questions related to their identity.

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Michaela Wildbacher, Mag.phil.: Masters in English and Italian studies at the University of Graz. Project Manager at the Italian Chamber of Commerce, Vancouver, British Columbia

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