The Edible Woman

As the novel progresses, Marian develops a fear of being photographed at the same time Peter begins to take more photos. What does this contrast imply about the different feelings Marian and Peter have about their approaching wedding? Do you think Atwood uses this contrast to discuss gender roles in marriage?

Discuss the shift in narrative tense that occurs in each part of the novel. Why do you think Atwood writes in the third person in Part 2? What does third person narration allow her to achieve with Marian’s character?

Ainsley’s seduction of Len is successful through her use of psychological tricks. What commentary do her actions provide on the ways a university education is used in society? Would you interpret your response differently if Len had been the one to use psychology for seduction?

Discuss the influence of Marian’s eating habits on Peter and Duncan. What do their reactions say about their characters? About Marian’s?

How does the novel present different understandings of femininity through Marian, Ainsley, and the three office virgins? Do you see a connection between each character’s version of expressing their femininity?

Choose one female and one male character from The Edible Woman and discuss how they contradict traditional gender roles.

Marian fears for her loss of autonomy in marriage. How does Clara and Joe’s relationship inform this fear?

Marian’s body begins refusing meat after she watches Peter cutting vigorously into a steak. What connection is there between Peter, Marian’s body, and the food she eats?