Reclaiming the Self: The
Journey of Feminist Identity in Margaret Atwood’s Surfacing
Nida Naushad¹, Dr. Shagufta
Naj²
ABSTRACT
Margaret Atwood (b. 1939), a prolific and
celebrated figure in postmodern Canadian fiction, is recognized as
one of the most famous and talented feminist writers of her era.
Margaret Atwood's Surfacing (1972), which indeed is a richly layered
work that touches on themes of feminism, self-discovery, and
identity. As a feminist writer, Margaret Atwood aims to explore the
inner psyche of women, delving into their conflicts and their search
for identity. Through her works, she seeks to highlight the
significant and often terrible gap that exists between men and women
in society. In her novel Surfacing, the protagonist embarks on a
journey of self-discovery and assertion, which forms the central
theme of the narrative. This process of self-realization is at the
very heart of the novel under consideration. Atwood explores the
tensions between societal expectations and personal growth, as well
as the intersection of individual awareness and national identity.
The protagonist's journey into the wilderness becomes symbolic of
both inner exploration and the reclaiming of agency, often framed by
feminist concerns.
The manuscript examines the interactions of the unnamed narrator
with the natural environment. She embarks on a return to Quebec in
pursuit of her absent father. The emotional distress she experiences
during and subsequent to her involuntary abortion culminates in the
obliteration of her artistic inclinations. Her anonymity is
indicative of the broader plight of fragile and powerless women who
are frequently subjected to male exploitation and commodification.
Following a period of immersion in the natural world, she attains an
understanding that nature exhibits no bias; having unearthed the
foundations of her identity within the wilderness, she reestablishes
her connection with society and prepares herself for the prospect of
motherhood. In her pursuit of self-identity, she reconciles the
dualities and contradictions inherent in the patriarchal society in
which she exists, engaging in a struggle to reclaim her identity and
origins. Consequently, the protagonist's psychological odyssey
towards the discovery of her roots and identity facilitates her
access to the realm of unblemished nature.
Key words: Feminism, Self-Identity, Personal Growth, Inner
Exploration, Commodification, Psychology.
