Quest for Female Identity in Margaret Atwood`sCat`s Eye

Abstract

This research explores a female`s search for identity in Margaret Atwood`s Cat`s Eye. The protagonist of the novel Elaine Risely has a strong desire to be a painter but her father and her husband Jon alwaysrestricther creativity and standas a barrier in her creativity. They are the representative of the patriarchy and patriarchal society creates the utmost obstaclefor the female. Elaine is fedupand tied with society which does not lether makeself decision and createown identity. But Elaine resistsagainst the patriarchal rules for feminine freedom and to create her own identity asa successful painter. Elaine is victimized physically and mentally by male characters and through her consistent effort female identity and individuality is regained. She fightsfor the gender inequality and cross the limitations created by male in the society. At first she leaves her parents and lives alone,laterafter marriage she also leaves her husband who always oppressedher and lives with her daughter. Elaine represents the ideology of female and tries to redraw the boundary of patriarchy whichexisted in patriarchal society.