Margaret Atwood's Power: Mirrors, Reflections and Images in Select Fiction and Poetry

by Shannon Hengen

This is a unique study which examines the writing of Margaret Atwood, one of Canada's most accomplished novelists and poets. In this incisive feminist analysis, Hengen provides a psychoanalytic overview examining Atwood's treatment of women and power. An important contribution, Margaret Atwood's Power is a thought-provoking evaluation which provides new insights into Margaret Atwood's work and popularity.

Genres: Nonfiction

174 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 1993

Reviews

[Lucas · Rating 3 out of 5]

This offers some interesting perspectives on how to integrate the twin strands of feminism and Canadian nationalism that run through Atwood's work. As in the subtitle, there is plenty about mirrors, and Hengen refers to Kristeva's work constantly throughout. If you are not so enamoured of the psychoanalytic approach, which I confess I am not, much of this will seem slightly alien - perhaps I should say its significance seems purely totemic. I was particularly interested in the take on Atwood as a nebulously left social democrat, and Hengen's exploration of that side of Atwood's work. Detailed and attentive.