Exploring Selfhood in Margaret Atwood’s Surfacing and the Handmaid’s Tale

Abstract

This study explores the quest for self-identity in Margaret Atwood's novels "Surfacing" and "The Handmaid's Tale." By examining the protagonists' journeys and the impact of societal and environmental factors, the research highlights the resilience of the human spirit in the search for individuality. The analysis draws on feminist and psychological perspectives to understand how Atwood portrays the struggle for identity against oppressive societal norms. The findings reveal significant similarities and differences in portraying self-identity in both novels, offering insights into the broader implications of identity formation in contemporary literature.