The Edible Woman: A Perspective of Women

Abstract

In many respects, The Edible Woman was created during a ‘whirlwind change’. Atwood successfully links together ‘ideas of marriage’ and ‘consumerism’ as related to the ideas and the perceptions of the self. In this novel, Atwood produces a world centred around a young woman, Marian MacAlpin, who is thrust into the role of fiancé and the traditional position. The Edible Woman is successful because it pulls us into Marian’s world and makes us a part of it. Things at first appear to be crystal and real. The moments of her daily life are presented in ways that a reader can relate to. Marian’s life seems acceptable and worthwhile. This paper highlights a perspective of women through Marian, the protagonist of Atwood’s The Edible Woman.