Body and Gender Performativity in Margaret Atwood’s Cat’s Eye

Abstract

This thesis is an analysis of Margaret Atwood’s novel Cat’s Eye based on the idea of gender identity as performance. This research focuses on social construction of power, femininity and gender roles. The central character of the novel, Elaine Risley demonstares the gender roles assigned to her through dress code and symbolism. Using Judith Butler’s theory where everyday action, speech, utterances, gestures and representations, dress codes and behaviors produce what is perceived as an essential masculine and feminine. Elaine rejects the conventional notion of gender roles assigned by her family and society and succeeds in achieving her dream as an artist. Cat’s Eye accounts the journey of Elaine from a girl to mature woman who revolts against the societies values and proves herself as the capable one to live her life freely. In this journey, she encounters hardships but her perpetual courage and confidence takes her to desired life. Elaine, by rejecting the conventional notion of gender roles, proves that gender and identity are socially and culturally constructed. By performing gender not according to conventional behavior, the performer can change the social ideas about gender. Key Words: Gender, Identity, Performance, Conventional, Feminine.