Alice Munro, In Her Own Words: 2013 Nobel Prize in Literature

Transcript

I got interested in reading very early, because a story was read to me, by Hans Christian Andersen, which was The Little Mermaid, and I don't know if you remember The Little Mermaid, but it's dreadfully sad. The little mermaid falls in love with this prince, but she cannot marry him, because she is a mermaid. And it's so sad I can't tell you the de... Read More

Summary

In this video, acclaimed author Alice Munro discusses her early start in writing, her inspiration for storytelling, and her perspective as a woman writer. She shares how her love for reading and her childhood experiences shaped her storytelling style. Munro also reflects on the challenges and joys of being a writer, including the importance of crafting a compelling narrative and the process of revising and improving her work. She discusses her experiences as a woman writer and the evolving role of women in literature. Munro shares insights into her writing process and the impact she hopes her stories have on readers. She also discusses her personal journey as a writer and her thoughts on receiving the Nobel Prize.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did Munro become interested in writing?

Munro attributes her early interest in writing to a story that was read to her as a child, specifically Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Mermaid." The story deeply affected her, as it had a sad ending, so she created her own version with a happy ending. From then on, she would constantly make up stories in her head, particularly during her long walks to school.

Q: Was it important for Munro to tell stories from a woman's perspective?

Munro did not consciously set out to write from a woman's perspective, but she never saw herself as anything other than a woman. Growing up in an environment where women were the primary readers and storytellers, Munro felt at ease with writing stories featuring female protagonists. She never felt inferior or lacking in any way because of her gender.

Q: How did Munro's childhood environment inspire her writing?

Munro didn't feel that she needed inspiration from her environment to write stories. She believed that stories were important in the world, and she wanted to create her own. The thought of telling her stories to a larger audience didn't occur to her until later in life.

Q: What is important to Munro when she tells a story?

Munro emphasizes the importance of a happy ending in her early days of storytelling. However, as she grew older and read more varied literature, her ideas shifted, and she began to appreciate and delve into tragic endings. The key for her is to create a story that moves the reader emotionally and leaves a lasting impact, regardless of its ending.

Q: What is so interesting about describing small-town Canadian life in Munro's stories?

For Munro, any life, including small-town Canadian life, can be interesting. She believes that any surroundings have the potential to be fascinating, and her personal experiences in a small town allowed her to understand and portray that setting authentically. Additionally, she may have felt braver in writing about her own experiences without having to compete with a higher cultural level found in larger cities.

Q: Was Munro always confident in her writing?

Munro had confidence in her writing for a long time, but as she encountered other writers and realized the challenges of the craft, she became less confident. However, she never gave up and continued to write regardless of her doubts. Writing was something she was determined to do, regardless of the difficulties she faced.

Q: Does Munro always have her stories plotted out when she starts writing?

Munro generally starts with a plot in mind, but she acknowledges that the story often changes as she writes it. Sometimes unexpected events occur, and new ideas form during the writing process. However, she believes it's essential to have a clear idea of the story's direction before starting.

Q: How absorbed is Munro by the story when she starts writing?

Munro admits that she becomes consumed by the story when she starts writing. However, being a housewife and a mother, she learned to write during her free time and continued her responsibilities even as a writer. Despite discouraging moments and the realization that her early stories weren't good, she never gave up.

Q: What is the hardest part for Munro when she wants to tell a story?

For Munro, the hardest part is when she reviews a story and realizes it's not good. The initial excitement and the following stages may be promising, but there comes a point when she sees the flaws and has to put significant effort into improving it. She believes it's her duty to make the necessary changes and create a better story.

Q: How many stories has Munro thrown away?

When Munro was young, she discarded all her stories. She can't specifically recall the exact number she threw away, but she didn't do it as frequently in recent years. As she gained more experience, she became better at recognizing what needed improvement in her stories. However, there might still be occasional mistakes that she chooses to let go of.

Q: Does Munro ever regret throwing away a story?

Munro does not regret discarding a story because she had already gone through the agony of realizing it didn't work. Once she reaches that point, it's unlikely that she would want to keep or salvage it. She acknowledges that mistakes happen but feels it's best to move on.

Q: How has growing older influenced Munro's writing?

Munro's writing has naturally evolved as she has grown older. Her stories have transitioned from focusing on young heroines to housewives, children, and eventually old women. It's a reflection of the changes in her perspective and experiences over time.

Q: Has Munro been important to other female writers as a pioneering housewife writer?

Munro hopes that she has been important to other female writers, but she cannot be certain. She recalls seeking inspiration from other female writers when she was young, as it encouraged her in her own writing. However, she acknowledges that societal perceptions have changed, and women today have more recognition and acceptance as serious writers.

Q: What impact does Munro think her stories have on readers, especially women?

Munro's primary goal is for her stories to move people, irrespective of their gender or age. She aims to create stories that resonate with readers, making them feel rewarded and possibly even a different person by the end. She wants her stories to be enjoyable and relatable, touching readers' lives in meaningful ways.

Q: Who does Munro think she is, and what does that expression mean to her?

Munro acknowledges that her identity is shaped by her upbringing in a rural community with Scotch-Irish roots. The cultural norms of her community emphasized humility and not thinking of oneself as smart. Despite these influences, Munro recognized her talent and pursued writing, taking pride in her unique perspective.

Q: Was Munro an early feminist?

Munro was not aware of the term "feminism" during her youth, but looking back, she recognizes that she exhibited feminist ideals. Growing up in a region of Canada where women had more reading and writing opportunities than men, Munro saw women as capable writers, possibly even more so than men. However, she acknowledges that attitudes have significantly changed over time.

Q: Would Munro's writing have been different if she had completed her university studies?

Munro believes that completing university studies might have made her more cautious and afraid of pursuing writing. Knowing more about the great works of literature might have made her doubt her own abilities. However, she still thinks she would have tried to write because of her deep desire to do so.

Q: Was writing a gift given to Munro?

Munro did not view her writing as a gift. She saw it as something she could accomplish through hard work and dedication. Rather than attributing her writing talent to an inherent gift, Munro believed that any success she experienced was a result of her efforts.

Q: Did Munro ever doubt her own abilities and think she wasn't good enough?

Munro frequently doubted her abilities and discarded more stories than she completed or submitted. This pattern continued into her twenties as she sought to refine her writing style. Doubt and self-criticism were significant challenges for her, but she persisted in honing her craft and finding her voice.

Q: What did Munro's mother mean to her?

Munro's relationship with her mother was complex. Her mother suffered from Parkinson's disease and required a lot of care and support. Munro loved her mother but also felt embarrassed by her speech difficulties and the limitations they imposed on her social interactions. Despite these challenges, Munro believes that her mother's love for reading and her father's reading habits influenced her passion for storytelling.

Q: Did Munro's mother inspire her in any way?

Munro believes that her mother did inspire her, though she may not have realized it at the time. While Munro never shared her stories with her mother, her mother's love for books and literature likely fostered an environment that encouraged Munro's storytelling aspirations. Her mother would have seen writing as an admirable pursuit, unlike many others in Munro's community.

Q: Has it been hard for Munro to tell true stories from a woman's perspective?

Munro has not found it difficult to tell true stories from a woman's perspective. Being a woman herself, she naturally wrote from her own perspective. Additionally, she grew up in a community where women were more involved in reading and storytelling, making it easier for her to embrace and explore a woman's perspective in her writing.

Q: Has Munro always lived a working-class life, and is that reflected in her stories?

Munro didn't consciously realize that she was living a working-class life or that her stories reflected it. She simply wrote about her surroundings and experiences without attaching labels to them. However, her humble upbringing likely influenced the themes and settings of her stories.

Q: Did Munro enjoy juggling writing with her responsibilities as a housewife and mother?

Munro wrote whenever she had the opportunity, often using her free time as a housewife and mother. Her first husband was supportive and encouraging of her writing, considering it a significant pursuit. Opening a bookstore also provided Munro with a chance to interact with people and engage in a different aspect of the world. Although challenging at times, she found joy in combining her various roles.

Q: How important was the bookstore when Munro first started writing?

The bookstore was crucial to Munro and her first husband in the early stages of their writing careers. Opening the bookstore was a way to earn a living and serve as a place for people to gather and discuss books. Munro took pleasure in helping customers find books and engaging in conversations about literature.

Q: What does Munro feel when readers say her books remind them of home?

Munro expresses delight when readers approach her and share how her books remind them of home. It signifies a personal connection and resonance with her writing. Munro appreciates such encounters and values the feedback from readers.

Q: Does Munro want young women to be inspired by her books and feel motivated to write?

Munro's primary desire is for readers, regardless of age or gender, to enjoy her books and find a sense of connection to their own lives. She emphasizes that her writing is not intended to be overtly inspirational or politically driven but rather to provide great enjoyment and evoke personal reflections.

Q: Is Munro a cultural person?

Munro considers herself a cultural person, although she is unsure of the exact meaning of the term. Her writing naturally reflects her cultural background and upbringing, which influence her storytelling style.

Q: Does Munro have a simple view on things?

Munro unintentionally has a simple view when it comes to explaining things. She inherently writes in an easy and accessible manner, without consciously seeking to simplify her stories. It is a natural approach for her.

Q: Has Munro ever encountered periods when she couldn't write?

Munro has experienced times when she couldn't bring herself to write. She made a conscious decision to stop writing about a year ago because she wanted to behave like others and free herself from the solitary nature of being a writer. She found it challenging to navigate between the secret world of writing and the norms of the wider world.

Q: What thoughts does Munro have for the people in Stockholm?

Munro expresses profound gratitude and happiness for receiving the Nobel Prize. She cherishes the honor and appreciates the recognition bestowed upon her.

Takeaways

Alice Munro traces her passion for writing back to her childhood, where the power of storytelling captivated her. As a woman writer, her perspectives were shaped by her upbringing and environment, providing her with a unique lens through which to tell stories. Munro emphasizes the importance of a compelling narrative and the dedication required to improve one's writing. She hopes her stories move and reward readers, offering an enjoyable experience that resonates with their own lives. Munro's journey as a writer highlights the challenges, doubts, and joys that come with the craft. Throughout her career, she never gave up on the pursuit of storytelling, even during times of uncertainty. As a pioneering woman writer, Munro has made an indelible mark on the literary world and continues to inspire readers of all backgrounds.