Comment on the overall thematic thrust of Surfacing. Structurally, what are the three broad sections into which Surfacing can be divided

“Surfacing” by Margaret Atwood is a novel that explores complex themes such as identity, memory, nature, and the human relationship with the environment.

At its core, the novel delves into the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery as she returns to her childhood home in rural Quebec. Here’s a commentary on the overall thematic thrust and the structural divisions of “Surfacing”:

Thematic Thrust:

1. Identity and Self-Discovery: The protagonist’s return to her childhood home serves as a catalyst for her journey of self-discovery. Throughout the novel, she grapples with questions of identity, memory, and the nature of self. As she delves into her past and confronts the traumas and secrets buried within it, she begins to unravel the layers of her own identity and reconnect with her true self.
2. Nature and the Environment: Nature plays a central role in “Surfacing,” serving as both a physical landscape and a metaphorical space for exploration and transformation. The protagonist’s immersion in the wilderness of rural Quebec forces her to confront the natural world and her place within it. As she reconnects with the land, she also grapples with themes of ecological destruction, environmental degradation, and humanity’s impact on the natural world.
3. Memory and Perception: Memory is a recurring theme in “Surfacing,” as the protagonist grapples with fragmented memories of her past and struggles to distinguish between reality and illusion. The novel explores the fallibility of memory and the ways in which our perceptions of the past shape our understanding of the present. Through the protagonist’s journey, Atwood raises questions about the reliability of memory and the construction of personal and collective narratives.
4. Gender and Power Dynamics: “Surfacing” also examines issues of gender and power dynamics, particularly in the protagonist’s relationships with the men in her life. The novel explores themes of patriarchy, misogyny, and the objectification of women, as the protagonist navigates a world dominated by male authority figures. Atwood’s portrayal of gender roles and relationships reflects broader social and cultural tensions surrounding gender inequality and women’s liberation.

Structural Divisions:

“Surfacing” can be broadly divided into three main sections:

1. Return to the Wilderness: The novel begins with the protagonist’s return to her childhood home in rural Quebec, accompanied by her boyfriend Joe and two friends. This section establishes the setting and introduces the central conflict as the protagonist embarks on a quest to find her missing father.
2. Journey of Self-Discovery: As the protagonist delves deeper into her past and explores the wilderness, she begins to confront the traumas and secrets buried within her family history. This section is characterized by the protagonist’s internal struggle as she grapples with questions of identity, memory, and the nature of self.
3. Reckoning with the Past: In the final section of the novel, the protagonist reaches a reckoning point as she confronts the truth about her father’s disappearance and comes to terms with her own past. This section culminates in a moment of revelation and transformation, as the protagonist emerges from the wilderness with a newfound sense of self-awareness and empowerment.

Overall, “Surfacing” is a powerful exploration of identity, memory, and the human connection to nature, structured around the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery in the wilderness of rural Quebec.