Character Analysis Of Atwood's The Edible Woman

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Afterward Elaine determines to forget her previous suffering. In that case, she suppresses her memories efficiently that as soon as Cordelia re-unites with her once again after having failed at a private school, Elaine does not recognize their past (Macpherson 62-63). Therefore, at high school Elaine is able to reestablish her relationship with Cordelia again. At that time the relationship between Elaine and her friend are reversed and it looks like as if Elaine has more power than Cordelia. At this time, it is Elaine who performs the power part, using her mean mouth as well as frightening her with horrible stories about vampires and twins. In fact, Elaine is pleased by the new situation and enjoys her power over Cordelia (Karásková 20-21).…show more content…
It has a tight bodice, a low neck, a full skirt; it brushes against my bare legs as I walk. My hair is loose, and damp. I think it looks like a mop … I recognize the style: late nineteenth century. Pre-Raphaelite. I should be holding a poppy (CE 332). On the other hand, this scene of Elaine and Josef in the restaurant is similar to Marian and Peter scene in The Edible Woman that not only the events are similar but also Atwood uses the same hotel name (Park Plaza). One can see that Atwood does it with purpose to show that in spite of the time differences between the two novels The Edible Woman (1965) and Cat’s Eye (1988); however there are no changes happen in the Canadian society. The patriarchal society tries to eliminate women…show more content…
She no longer paints as well as she stops visiting women meetings, as they make her feel even worse and she is desperate: “Whatever is happening to me is my own fault. I have done something wrong ... I am inadequate and stupid, without worth. I might as well be dead” (CE 438). While Elaine in this depressing state of mind, she hears the voice that “has the force of an order: Do it. Come on. Do it” (CE 439). This voice persuades her to commit suicide and she obeys it; actually this voice belongs to nine-year old Cordelia. Elaine after this event, become conscious of the fact that she is haunted by her past and Cordelia; as a result she decides to leave (Karásková 27-28). Thus, she divorces Jon and travels to Vancouver with her daughter, Sarah. In this case, she rebels against the gender-biased attitude of her husband and rejects to adapt to the socially approved role of mother and wife. Elaine decided to live an independent life with her daughter, and completely dedicates herself to painting and joins in several women meetings and arts shows (Mehta 189-190). On the other hand, Elaine often resolves her unpleasant situations by leaving – previously she leaves the group of her oppressors, next she leaves Josef and then she leaves her life in Toronto – her marriage, Jon and Cordelia. Commenting on her leaving she says: “I’m good at leaving. The trick is to close yourself off. Don’t hear, don’t

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