Examining the Female Ego and Trauma in Margaret Atwood’s The Edible Woman

Abstract

This study delves into the intricate complexities of the female psyche and the trauma experienced by women within patriarchal societies, as depicted in Margaret Atwood’s novel The Edible Woman (1969). The female characters in Atwood’s writings are often portrayed as being caught between their need for personal freedom and the inescapable reality of living in a patriarchal world. In this novel, Atwood’s primary objective is to explore the inner lives of women, their struggles, and their quest for self-awareness. Through the protagonist, Marian, Atwood examines themes of identity, autonomy, and societal expectations. Marian’s journey is emblematic of the struggle to maintain one’s sense of self in the face of societal pressures that often reduce women to mere commodities. As Marian navigates her everyday life, she becomes increasingly aware of how societal norms and gender expectations shape her self-image and influence her choices. This heightened awareness leads to a psychological conflict that manifests in her inability to eat, symbolising her rejection of being consumed by societal roles. By analysing Marian’s psychological journey, this study sheds light on Atwood’s critique of gender politics, illustrating how patriarchal and capitalist systems perpetuate the commodification and oppression of women. This analysis invites readers to reconsider the power dynamics inherent in societal structures and reflect on the broader implications of gender norms on women’s mental and emotional well-being. Through Marian’s story, Atwood challenges readers to recognise and question the societal constructs that shape and often limit women’s lives.