Gender and the Edible Woman Article Critique

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" 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.

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Atwood uses Marion's struggles with eating as a metaphor of revolt and protest. Feminists of the time were beginning to reject the traditional roles of mother, wife, housekeeper, or lover that was imposed by the current culture. This circumstance and the inability to find a role model that was an alternative to the reality of the day resulted in frustration, anger, and feelings of inadequacy in many feminists.

The novel reflects this theme and the lack of a distinct identity for women who desire something more out of life. Trough this story, Marian examines and rejects the roles presented to her by society and also rejects the domination of social conventions in order to achieve self-identity and self-knowledge and self-awareness. Marion offers hope to these women by demonstrating the qualities of strength needed to protect her own individuality.

Atwood's novel shows she believes all women have this inner strength, emphasizing the hardships that daily activities bring and underscoring the proposition that all women are able to stand up for themselves and not succumb to the preconceptions that they must be gentle, soft-spoken and submissive.

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