Biography
What is the name of the author we are talking about?
Margaret Atwood
Who were the critics mentioned in the slides?
PSYCH... none
Give a summary of Death by Landscape.
Lois lives by herself in her home with no family
She is reminded of her past camping experiences at Camp Manitou
Lucy becomes her best friend at the camp
They decide to make a climb to Lookout Point together
Lois leaves Lucy alone because she has to use the bathroom
When Lois hears a scream, she returns to find Lucy completely gone
Lois is forever haunted by Lucy’s disappearance and takes the guilt with her all her life
What is the significance of the paintings used in the story?
A way for Lois to express that she does not accept that Lucy is gone.
Who was Margaret Atwood's favorite author? (extra point for what similar writing style they both had)
Edgar Allan Poe
What is Margaret Atwood's birthday?
November 18, 1939 (age 79)
How did Death by Landscape contribute to the reoccurring criticism Margaret Atwood was receiving?
Idea of feminism is prominent.
What were some important elements that were included in the story?
Point of View: 3rd person omniscient
Common form of third-person narration where the narrator has an all-knowing perspective on the story
Includes thoughts of characters
Jumping between spaces and times
Setting: Lake Prospect in Northern Canada
Conflict: Loss of Lucy which is a constant internal struggle Lois has to go through
What was the meaning behind Camp Manitou?
The Manitou’s represent good/evil spirits. Camp replicates old Indian rituals.
Yes or No :
Was Margaret Atwood a "beast"?
OBVIOUSLY
Who was Margaret Atwood?
Internationally known author, author, literary Critic, poet, novelist, essayist, inventor, teacher, environmental activist, etc., inventor and developer of longPen
Why was Margaret Atwood no longer respected among millennial feminists?
Due to her criticizing the #MeToo movement.
How was Death by Landscape structured?
Breaks into story
Flashback to camp
Intro to Lucy
Return to Camp
Canoe Trip
Trip to top of mountain
The aftermath of Lucy’s disappearance
Back to present time
What is the meaning behind the various Native Indian references found in Camp Manitou?
Before Camp Manitou, Indians roamed the land. Represent disappearance. Lucy represents this with her disappearance. “It had all been a form of stealing”
What were some allegories mentioned in the short story Death by Landscape? (two extra points elaborating and giving examples from the text)
Paintings
Represent her compensation for Lucy’s death
Long-lost search for Lucy’s presence
Shows emotion of emptiness and restlessness
Foreshadowing
Hermeneutic code in the beginning of the story
“It’s as if there is something, or someone, looking back out.”
Lois and Lucy’s relationship
Explore their youth together
Coming-of-age theme
Who is included in her family?
Margaret Dorothy Killiam- Mother
Carl Edmund Atwood- Father
Jim Polk - Ex-Husband
Graeme Gibson- Husband
Eleanor Jess Atwood Gibson- Daughter
Ruth Atwood- Sister
Harold Leslie Atwood- Brother
What were some viewpoints in Death by Landscape that contributed to Margaret Atwood's criticism?
Feminist views prominent
ie. Rob’s death, Lois’ independence
What were some ideas that were portrayed in the short story Death by Landscape?
Isolation
Death
Acceptance
Loss
Attachment
Coming of Age
How is womanhood portrayed in the short story?
Coming of age reaching womanhood.
What was the LongPen and who was it invented by?
It allows a person to remotely write in ink anywhere in the world via tablet PC and the Internet and a robotic hand. Invented by Margaret Atwood
What awards did she receive?
Man Booker Prize, Arthur C. Clarke Award, Governor General’s Award, Franz Kafka Prize and the National Book Critics and PEN Center USA Lifetime Achievement Awards.
What was Margaret Atwood most criticized for in her works of literature?
The use of feminism.
Give a brief analysis of Death by Landscape.
Imagery
Constant use of wilderness
Platform for exploration of youth
Feminism
Rob
Independence
Strong
How did Lucy's disappearance impact Lois' life?
Various answers may be used.
Ultimately, Lucy's disappearance caused present day Lois great pain and sorrow. It also caused Lois to have this feeling of uneasiness with wilderness landscapes as they reminded her of the fact that she doesn't accept that Lucy is gone.
What was Margaret Atwood's zodiac sign?
scorpio