Richler wrote his classic Canadian satire, the Incomparable Atuk, in 1963 when the issue of Canada’s national identity was on the rise. Richler uses his character of Atuk to draw attention to this idea of Canadian nationalism.
Atuk starts out as a lost poet, braving the big city after being relocated from his native Baffin Island. Loved for his exotic authenticity and “Indianism”, Atuk appears to mould into the big city quite easily. However, on his quest for identity in a new surrounding, he soon becomes consumed with the greed and pretentiousness of the American Dream.
Fuelled with satirical humour and vibrant wit, Richler takes readers on a journey of self-identity that ends in a complete transformation into greed, corruption and colonialism.
Atuk as Indian
When readers first meet Atuk, he is a literary figure, a prolific poet and success in his own right. He is anything but the stereotypical “Indian” figure.
However, through the corruption of the big city, Atuk changes into this role. Atuk takes advantage of his “Indianism”, his role in Western society. He plays up the “noble savage”, “lazy Native” and Eskimo stereotypes in order to take advantage of the wealth and fame that the big city has to offer.
He realises these conventions are good for his public image and commercial success and thus goes with them. He is conforming to his stereotypical authenticities in order to further benefit from a naive society.
Atuk as Capitalist
Atuk takes full advantage of the wealth of the big city. He literally stops working and relies on hitting the jackpot and extorting his exotic nature. Atuk takes advantage of the naivety of Canadians and soon falls into the trap of capitalistic greed, taking whatever he can get from the common people.
He lives up to his epithet of “Incomparable Atuk” like the “Incredible Hulk,” or, more appropriately, “The Great Gatsby.” Ironically, in the quest for Canadian self-identity, Atuk has fallen into the typical American trap of commercial fame and monetary success.
Atuk as a Canadian Symbol
The quest for Canadian identity and individuality is mirrored in Atuk’s quest for self-identity. Although this novel is about finding one’s Canadian identity, Richler ironically portrays Atuk chasing the ever-illusive American Dream.
With Atuk’s decline into the typical greedy capitalist, what is Richler ‘s satire trying to say about Canada?
Is Richler suggesting that Canada is destined to take the same path as its American counterpart and fall into the trap of wealth, greed and corruption? Or, is he suggesting that Canadians need to move beyond their American neighbours, follow their own path and create an authentic identity?
Let’s hope for the latter.
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