Margaret Atwood at MIT - 'Oryx and Crake' Revisited - 2004 Abramowitz Lecture

Summary of the 2004 Abramowitz Lecture

In the 2004 Abramowitz Lecture at MIT, Margaret Atwood discusses her novel "Oryx and Crake," exploring its themes, artistic techniques, and her creative process. She reflects on the structure of the novel, its dystopian elements, and the moral and scientific dilemmas faced by its characters.

Key Artistic Techniques and Concepts:

• Narrative Structure: The novel begins in the middle of events, reminiscent of the Iliad, and then moves backward and forward in time to explore the protagonist's journey.
• Character Development: The protagonist, originally named Jimmy, adopts the name Snowman, symbolizing his transformation and existential struggles in a dystopian future.
• World-Building: Atwood creates a recognizable yet altered future where characters confront environmental and ethical issues, drawing parallels to contemporary society.
• Satirical Elements: The novel incorporates humor and irony, particularly in its critique of modern society's relationship with technology and nature.

Creative Processes and Advice:

• Research and Inspiration: Atwood emphasizes the importance of grounding fiction in reality, using research to inform her narratives. She mentions her background in science and how it influences her writing.
• Writing Journey: She shares her experiences as a writer, including early rejections and the evolution of her career, highlighting persistence and adaptability.
• Engagement with Readers: Atwood believes in leaving space for reader interpretation, making reading a participatory activity where the reader contributes to the story's meaning.

Steps and Materials:

• Observation and Skepticism: Growing up among scientists instilled in her a keen sense of observation and a questioning attitude towards accepted truths.
• Writing Process: Atwood advises aspiring writers to focus on the immediate task of writing rather than getting overwhelmed by larger issues.

Featured Contributors:

• Alan Brody (Associate Provost for the Arts at MIT)
• Candace Callison (PhD candidate and member of the Abramowitz selection committee)