Margaret Atwood Reflects on Age, Power, and Literature
During a busy rush hour in downtown Toronto, Margaret Atwood, Canada’s renowned author aged 85, moves quietly through a crowded café. Dressed in dark clothing with a hat covering her white, curly hair, she chooses to speak on the terrace amid the early chill of Canadian autumn.
On Writing Her Memoirs
Atwood recently published her much-anticipated memoirs, despite initial reluctance. She questioned the purpose of writing them, pondering,
“Who wants to read the story of someone sitting at a desk wrestling with a blank page?”and concluding,
“It’s boring enough to die of boredom.”Yet, she eventually embraced the task.
Thoughts on Age and Female Stereotypes
Atwood critiques societal views on aging women, highlighting the limited roles they are allowed to occupy. She states that older women are often seen as either wise old women or wicked old witches, reinforcing restrictive stereotypes.
Enduring Themes and Contemporary Reflections
- She reflects on the lasting impact of her novel The Handmaid’s Tale.
- Comments on former President Trump’s influence and public discourse.
- Expresses thoughts on Canadian literature and themes of mortality.