| Summary: | 碩士 === 淡江大學 === 西洋語文研究所 === 82 === With Surfacing published in 1972, Atwood seemed to become the
representative of women and Canadianness in Canadian cultural
realm. In this novel, Atwood analyzes how women have lost
their true self in the patriarchal society. In addition,
Atwood also problematizes the ambivalent definition of Canadian
identity in the period of postcolonialism. In this thesis, I
explore the female protagonist's quest for self in terms of the
double-voiced discourse. The dominant and explicit narrative
is the search for the patriarchal voice. As a matter of fact,
the female protagonist undertakes a spiritual journey in search
of her oppressed identity and power in the male-dominant
society. In the pilgrimage inward, the protagonist experiences
the symbolic "submersion," "ascension," and "surfacing." She
gradually separates herself from the restraint of
civilization. In the wilderness, the female protagonist
reintegrates her divided self which was split by the masculine
authority. Besides, in terms of Atwood's criticism Survival: A
Thematic Guide to Canadian Literature, the female protagonist
transcends the boundary of positions between victims and
oppressors and confronts the power politics of society with a
new perspective.
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