The Edible Woman

How does Margaret Atwood use consumerism, marketing, and advertisements to characterize Marian, Ainsley, and the three office virgins? How are these female identities tied to their appearances?

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?