Northrop Frye was a literary theorist, critic, educator, and one of the most respected Canadian intellectual figures in the second half of the 20th century. Frye argued for a systematic approach to literature, which examined the underlying myths and symbols that inform all of English literature. Frye’s work in literary theory and criticism challenged existing critical paradigms and had a significant international influence in the field.
Today, the Honourable Carolyn Bennett, Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Member of Parliament for Toronto—St. Paul’s, commemorated the importance of Northrop Frye as a person of national historic significance. A special ceremony was held at Emmanuel College of Victoria University in the University of Toronto with members of the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, faculty, students, and residents of the City of Toronto. The announcement was made on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada, the Honourable Catherine McKenna.
Born in Sherbrooke, Quebec in 1912, Frye was a quiet, studious child who grew up in Moncton, New Brunswick with his father, a hardware salesman, and his mother, a firm Methodist who encouraged his love of reading. In 1929, Frye began studying English and Philosophy at Victoria College of Victoria University in the University of Toronto. He received his Bachelor of Arts in 1933 and then followed the theological course at Emmanuel College and was ordained in the United Church of Canada in 1936. After further education that included a Master’s degree in English literature from Oxford University, Frye returned to Victoria College where he spent the rest of his career, eventually becoming chair of the English department in 1952, principal of Victoria College (1959-67), and then chancellor of Victoria University (1978-91).
