Close Reading Prose Essays

An In-Depth Look at Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake

            Margaret Atwood writes of a future in which the world’s general population was wiped out by a plague. She writes of a world in which the survival of any humans is unknown—with the exception of one man: Snowman. Throughout Oryx and Crake, Margaret Atwood uses repetition, dashes and metaphors to demonstrate the devastating effects of isolation as well as the dangers of the world. The repetition serves to create a sense of overwhelming isolation; a sense of inescapable isolation. The dashes allow for glimpses into the previous condition of the world and work as commentary on Snowman’s part in order to emphasize his isolation, but also to introduce some of the dangers the world holds. And the metaphors are incorporated to explain that each entity possess good and evil, but because of the presence of evil, each aspect of life should be approached with caution—as the world is dangerous.

Here, Atwood uses the repetition of the word “alone” several times in close proximity to one another—as he says, “Now I’m alone…all, all alone”  in order to convey an overwhelming sense of loneliness for the main character, Snowman (Atwood 10). This leads to the conclusion that some disaster has occurred which, consequently, wiped out the rest of the human population. The repetition is used to allow the idea to really sink in that Snowman is truly alone as a human. This isolation becomes a main theme throughout the rest of the novel in what is necessary to survive—mentally and physically—in such an isolation.

      The dashes which Atwood uses like “hear a human voice—a fully human voice” are designed to qualify the preceding statement, but also serve as insights into the world before the aftermath (Atwood 10). The implication here is that there are some who are not completely human—again signifying the idea of experimentation, which is a current cultural debate. Invented words and species such as “pigoon” and “wolvog” also work to further the discussion about genetic experiments (Atwood 10). The dashes can also represent his internal thoughts, though they still include information about Snowman’s past.

      By incorporating Snowman’s screaming by the sea, Atwood furthers the idea of isolation and the toll it can take. As he has no one else to talk to, he must talk to the land. As life is so full of misery and “dismay” he must express his frustration by shouting (Atwood 10). And only by using foul language is he able to make the situation feel any better—which speaks to the emotional toll isolation takes on an individual.

      The metaphors about the “beautiful demons” and the mermaids also shows the emotions of Snowman when he is remembering his past (Atwood 11). The memories, at first, seem pleasant and beautiful, but then they bring back the misery of loss and end up swallowing him in sadness. The incorporation of this metaphor also introduces the idea that each entity can possess good and evil traits. That those people or creatures, even activities, which may at first, illicit pleasure or a sense of good, may prove to be harmful and should be avoided. This is a lesson Snowman is forced to learn in order to survive—and it is one needed by every individual.

     This passage demonstrates Atwood’s ability to turn simple words and structures into more meaningful and profound ideas about the complexity of humanity. The two ideas of isolation and worldly dangers work together to further Atwood’s discussion of humanity, as in order to escape some of the dangers, isolation is necessary, but isolation, itself, has both good and bad sides. Through her use of repetition, dashes, and metaphors, Atwood explores the complexity of man and how the dangers of the world and isolation from the rest of humanity can have a devastating effect, though can mean the difference between failure and survival.

An In-Depth Look at Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale

            Margaret Atwood writes about a future dystopian society called the Republic of Gilead in her novel The Handmaid’s Tale. In her book, she uses strategically placed short sentences, detailed diction, and the use of internal thought in order to examine the value of women in society as well as explore the hypocrisy and complexity of authority. The short sentences allow for Atwood to clearly express an important message and the diction often comes with a negative connotation to reveal the unhappiness faced in society. The internal thought explores the idea of rebellion on the inside versus conformity on the outside. And each of these elements of Atwood’s writing build up the questions about life, authority, and the purpose of women.

            Atwood is able to communicate her extremely complex ideas about society through the use of short and simple phrases. Through her strategic placement of these sentences, she is able to signify important themes of her novel—while maintaining subtlety. When she incorporates the three short sentences, “It must be just fine. It must be hell. It must be very silent.” she is able to portray the themes that will later be explored in detail, in just a few short words (Atwood 88). The concepts of Hell and silence play an important role in all of the events which follow the introduction of Offred and her place in the dystopian society: The Republic of Gilead. The significance of these themes is indicated and furthered through Atwood’s use of the repetition in each of these sentences. This creates a lasting impression as well as shows that, though Offred is not permitted to speak, she is still able to think for herself.

That introduces another concept: the value of women in society. This is discussed in great detail through the use of internal thought—which also shows the internal rebellion that is growing in Offred even as her exterior remains unchanged. Offred reflects on the order of society and while she asks this question, her internal questioning of society becomes evident. Atwood says, “To be a man, watched by women” which shows both the significance of men, and the inferiority of women (Atwood 87). While one man is watched by several women, and as he is watched at all, the women are the ones who watch the men, and they “flinch” at any movement of them (Atwood 87). This also demonstrates the idea of women’s fear of men and oppression by authority—all in a few simple words by Atwood. And all key concepts in her novel.

            The detailed diction also works to create a negative view of authority as well as the hypocrisy and irony in life. The irony of the statement that the “Commander sits, looking down”, which juxtaposes a man with a high rank and an act of inferiority, furthers the questioning of authority, but is also furthered by the negative diction which is used to describe different aspects of authority throughout Atwood’s novel (Atwood 87). One strong instance of this diction is when Atwood describes the reproductive organs of the authority in Offred’s home as a “tentacle” (Atwood 88). As the connotations of the word “tentacle” bring images of danger and oppression—as octopi use their tentacles to help suffocate their prey—the negative portrayal of authority in Atwood’s novel becomes inescapably clear (Atwood 88). This negative diction in regards to authority continues throughout the book and bring into question the proper role of authority in society.

            Atwood uses a variety of intelligent writing techniques in order to reveal the messages within her writing and it is through her use of simple sentences, fitting diction, and internal thoughts that she is able to bring into question the purpose of authority and of life itself—in both Offred’s life as a woman in the new world and on a more universal scale in the present.