Unraveling the mysteries of childhoodMetaphorical portrayals of children in Margaret Atwood’s fiction

  1. Gibert, Teresa 1
  1. 1 Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia
    info

    Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia

    Madrid, España

    ROR https://ror.org/02msb5n36

Journal:
ES Review. Spanish Journal of English Studies

ISSN: 2531-1654 2531-1646

Year of publication: 2018

Issue: 39

Pages: 29-50

Type: Article

DOI: 10.24197/ERSJES.39.2018.29-50 DIALNET GOOGLE SCHOLAR lock_openDialnet editor

More publications in: ES Review. Spanish Journal of English Studies

Abstract

Most metaphorical expressions related to children in Margaret Atwood’s novels and short stories can be grouped into two coherent sets. The predominant negative set includes a wide range of monsters and hideous animals, whereas the much shorter list of positive representations encompasses sunflowers, jewels, feathers, little angels, gifts and lambs. Negative representations of children in Atwood’s fiction are generally rendered in an unconventional manner and reflect the frustration felt by realistically portrayed characters in their everyday experience. On the contrary, favorable expressions have a tendency toward stereotype and often belong to the world of memories, dreams and illusions.

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