Search for self is one theme that Margaret Atwood emphasizes throughout the novel. A search for self is shown by the main character Marian, who is constantly shaped by her boyfriend Peter. Peter is an intelligent man who always gets what he wants, listens to no one. He is also quite sophisticated and well put together, "it's impossible for Peter to dress with genuine carelessness"(pg.99). However, Marian is scared of Peter's strong personality destroying her own fragile identity. Peter nags to her about how she does certain things, or if she is not acting the way he is intending, "The trouble with you is, you're just rejecting your femininity"(pg.89). Marian is aware of the fact that Peter treats her with little respect, almost like a child. He is constantly telling her what to wear and how to act, and she finds herself struggling with this every time she is with Peter. She eventually is unable to consume food because she is being consumed by her relationship with Peter, and eating seems to be the one thing she can do on her own without Peter. At the end of the novel Marian finally has enough courage to discover she is better off without him, and who she really is as a person.
Feminism is another theme that Margaret Atwood emphasizes throughout the novel. Feminism is shown by the character Ainsley, who decides she wants to have a baby without having a husband. She tells Margaret, "The thing that ruins families these days is the husbands."(pg.40). She feels that she can take care of a baby by herself; she does not need anyone to help her. Marian does not think it is a good idea, and is concerned for her well being in society. However, Ainsley thinks otherwise and does not care about what others have to say about her actions.
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