" Soon thereafter Marian begins struggling with eating and acting more feminine (out of character) due to the pressures imposed by the expectations of society. Atwood's implication is that this expectation of femininity dehumanizes woman, restricting their potential to self-actualize and personal freedom. The author's portrayal of Marian as feminine and weak indicates she is programmed to act this way and unable to consciously behave in any other manner. Marian is dehumanized by society.
As the story progresses Marian begins to grow into a stronger person. She begins to discover who she is and what she wants and take control over her life. Marion understands she does not want Peter and the life her has to offer. She takes her ring off places it in her change purse next to her nickels and dimes, coins of low value. Ultimately she overcomes the oppression of her culture, literally devouring a cake that she had made. Marian rejects the role she perceives society expects her to play, discarding her "femininity."
Conclusion
This novel was written in 1965 and anticipated the feminist movement by several years. As Marion struggles with the role society has imposed on her and her personal definition of herself food becomes the symbol of that rebellion and her eventual rebellion. Atwood uses Marion's struggles with eating as a metaphor of revolt and protest. Feminists of the time were beginning to reject...
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