Analysis Of Margaret Atwood's Alias Grace

Margaret Atwood’s Novel Alias Grace is a story based off of a historical murder that occurred in the nineteenth century. The court convicted Grace Marks, the main character, of the murder of her employer Thomas Kinnear and his house keeper, Nancy Montgomery. A servant named James McDermott was found guilty of the murder, along with Grace, during the trial. The court ultimately concluded that James McDermott be hanged to death and Grace Marks sentenced to life imprisonment. Grace was eventually granted pardon although the truth of her involvement in the murder will never be truly known. While Atwood portrays the history of Grace Marks, she interprets the construction of society. The system of masculine and feminine gender is intensely associated with characteristics in power among the classes (working, middle, and upper class). Grace is constantly influenced by the public around her that
help to mold her into the stereotype of femininity.
From a young age, she is forced to take on the motherhood role. Grace’s mother passes on the journey over seas and Grace has to step into the role of caring for the younger children and eventually making income for the family. Grace’s employers and co-workers also advise her with the traditional idea of femininity. Specifically, her friend and companion, Mary Whitney, makes her aware of the significance of a woman’s life and what each woman should aim to do. Mary explains to Grace that it is important for young girls to find a job so each one can eventually marry well and hire their own servants. In the novel the idea of marrying money and economic status, is shown through many instances. This is especially explained in the example
of Dr. Jordon’s mother continuously nagging her son about getting married. She is even more than willing to arrange something for him because she feels that he is not focused on this situation. Marrying money is also shown through the Governor’s daughter, Lydia. Lydia ends up falling in love with Dr. Jordon, but she eventually marries Reverend Verringer because of his economically desirable status. Lydia’s marriage is not based upon love, as much of the time it wasn’t during this century. If men were healthy and high in position, women tended agree to marriage even if love was not existent. Lydia’s decision of marriage also suggests that marrying a man of higher status that is above her allows her to become successful and accomplished in the eyes of society. Another instance regarding money and economic status occurs between Dr. Simon Jordon and Mrs. Rachel Humphrey (Simon’s landlady). Mrs. Humphrey’s husband abandons her and she soon begins to fall apart. Rachel turns to Dr. Jordon for financial assistance as well as emotional security. Mrs. Humphrey doesn’t seem to understand all the repercussions of her actions (seducing Mr. Simon Jordon), she expresses only panic concerning her financial and marriage position. In the end, Mrs. Humphrey doesn't want to be judged and talked about for loosing her husband. During this century, an unmarried woman is incomplete and criticized by others because they are not fulfilling their feminine destiny. Although women considered marriage as their reason for life, men aimed to achieve “economic success.” Alias Grace explores the presence of crucial or natural feminine and masculine traits and proves them to be constructed through experiences and influences of society. Atwood does an incredible portray of this historical event and truly interprets the construction of society through gender roles.