Alt tag
Literature Matters: Literature in the Community is a free public lecture series from the Department of English.

Literature Matters: Where’s Walmart? The Commonplace in Canadian Literature

A public talk by Department of English faculty member Jessica McDonald

Event

Date: Wednesday, Sept. 24
Time: 7:30 pm
Location: Grace-Westminster United Church Social Hall, 505-10th St. E., Saskatoon

Free and open to the public

About this event

A talk by Department of English faculty member Jessica McDonald

Out of all possible settings, why would Canadian authors choose to write Walmart into their literary landscapes? This talk considers examples ranging from the predictable—Walmart as profit-making behemoth, taking over small cities and local economies—to the more experimental—as site of a steamy missed connection between strangers, backdrop to a surprising celebrity encounter, or cherished place to wander the aisles with a loved one. In addition to asking “why Walmart?”, the talk will explore how such literary works illuminate what’s at stake in these commonplace staples of our contemporary geography.

Literature Matters: Literature in the Community is a free public lecture series sponsored by the University of Saskatchewan Department of English.

Info: 306-966-1268 | english.department@usask.ca


Upcoming Events

Discovering the Amatis

Mar 1, 2026
The March concert in the 2025-26 Amati Concert Series features the Violinist Elation Pauls and pianist Paul Williamson

Bateman Lecture: The Climate Crisis in Canadian Fiction

Mar 5, 2026
Dr. Wendy Roy (PhD) explores how Canadian authors are grappling with environmental change

Career Options for Students of English

Mar 5, 2026
Thinking about a career in English? Explore all paths at the Career Options event

 

See all events