Margaret Atwood on Aging and Identity
In a quiet Toronto café during rush hour, Margaret Atwood, Canada’s most renowned author, reflects on her memoirs, politics, literature, and mortality. At 85, dressed in dark clothing and a hat concealing her white hair, she moves unnoticed, choosing to speak softly on a mild autumn day.
On Writing Memoirs
Atwood was initially reluctant to write her memoirs, expressing skepticism about the appeal of recounting her own life's process.
“Who wants to read the story of someone sitting at a desk wrestling with a blank page?” she asks. “It’s boring enough to die of boredom.”
Despite this, she eventually completed the memoirs, acknowledging the long-awaited nature of the project.
Reflections on Age and Society
Atwood observes societal expectations for older women, highlighting limited roles often assigned to them.
“Older women are only allowed to be two things: wise old women or wicked old witches.”
The Enduring Impact of Her Work
She also touches on the lasting influence of The Handmaid’s Tale and its relevance in contemporary discourse on power and control.
Other Topics Discussed
- The political climate, including former U.S. President Trump
- The state of Canadian literature
- Contemplations on mortality
Atwood's voice carries her characteristic irony while engaging in these reflections, revealing both her sharp intellect and enduring cultural significance.
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