The journey of self discovery in the Canadian writings of Margaret Laurence and Margaret Atwood

Abstract

Margaret Laurence and Margaret Atwood are two Canadian writers who are occupied with one of the dominant themes found in Canadian literature. This theme that is central to many Canadian writers is the search for one's identity. The characters in the novels of Laurence's The Diviners and The Stone Angel and Atwood's Surfacing and Cat's Eye all experience unresolved problems regarding their identity. Their retrospective narratives are a means for these characters to rediscover their true identity and come to terms with their present state. In this paper the rediscovery of identity will be analysed through each characters' integration with others in relationships and through various mediums of art which act as reminders, contributing to each characters' discoveries.