Education and Virginity in Margaret Atwood’s The Edible Woman (1969)
Loading...
Date
2021
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Université Mouloud Mammeri Tizi Ouzou
Abstract
This piece of research attempts to investigate the notions of “education” and “virginity” as two
important issues that have deep impact on women’s lives in Margaret Atwood’s novel The Edible
Woman (1969). To reach our aim, we have relied on Simone de Beauvoir’s feminist theory included in
her book The Second Sex (1949). In our analysis of this topic, we have divided our discussion into two
chapters. The opening chapter stresses on the notion of women’s education which has always been an
area of concern and considered as being a threat to patriarchal societies. This idea is highlighted by both
educated and non-educated female characters of the novel including Marian, Clara, and the lady down
below to demonstrate the harsh reality in which they lived and the subordinate position they occupied in
work place and all aspects of their life. In its turn, the second chapter analyzes the notion of virginity
through the other subordinate female characters: Ainsley and the three virgins: Emmy, Millie, and Lucy
by depicting the negative impact of virginity on their lives and the way the patriarchal society used it as
a weapon to oppress women morally, physically, and socially. By analyzing Atwood’s novel, it is
revealed that women’s education did not end patriarchy. Educated or not, women face hardships to
achieve equality in society; their inferior position and submissiveness is due to society negligence of
their education. Additionally, it is also displayed that virginity as a social construct continues to make
life difficult for women, it curtail their opportunities and freedom and chains them with fear of losing it.
Description
30cm ; 54p.
Keywords
education, feminism, patriarchy, virginity, women.
Citation
Littérature and Civilisation