A major theme that runs throughout the novel is that of the importance of reputation and how others view us in society. This is as important, if not more so, for women than men, I believe this is a conscious decision on the behalf of Atwood. Atwood uses Alias Grace to explore why women feel this need for acceptance and recognition. Both classes of women demonstrate the importance of reputation but their expectations were class women, such as Mary Whitney expect simply to be acknowledged and not to be seen as sordid. Mary Whitney does not want ‘whatever reputation she had left’-pg. 202 ruined. Upper class women, however, such as the governors wife demand far more and wish to be seen as an intelligent, valuable member of the community, this is evident in the spiritualist circle they engage in, ‘on Thursdays, the spiritualist circle for tea and conversing with the dead’- pg. 24 which allows them to feel they have some significance and influence in traditionally male affairs. Grace demands more than what would be anticipated for her social status. Grace is envious of Nancy and her possessions, both material ‘little gold earrings I used to envy’ pg-6 and social, Nancy’s higher social position, which Grace feels anger towards and believes she did not deserve.’ Oh Nancy’s no well-born lady, yet she treats me like a slave’ pg-14.
Atwood uses Grace throughout the novel to voice her criticisms. One of these is that of unhealthy male, female relationships in the form of Nancy and Kinnear and even Mary Whitney and the anonymous gentleman. A preoccupation of Atwoods, shown throughout her other novels is to make women realise that it is never one person’s fault in a relationship. One person’s hurtful actions are only possible if the other is open and willing enough to allow them to be . Another criticism is that of the ‘jellyfish ladies’ , upper class women who believe that by talking about current affairs and experimenting with new spiritual concepts they will benefit the world. Atwood in the form of Grace is very direct when giving this criticism, she uses the simile ‘jelly fish ladies’ and discusses their routined, delicate habits ‘they sit sipping from thin china cups, and the governors wife rings a little china bell’ with a tone of mockery. Atwood seems to hold the impression that women should act on matters, not discuss them. This could be significant because at the time the suffragettes had recently won enfranchisement. This section perhaps demonstrates Atwood’s thoughts towards the motto ‘deeds not words’ adopted by the group.
One attitude which differs between lower and upper class society is that of community. Lower class women are shown throughout the novel to help each other more. This is most evident at two points, when Grace meets Mrs Phelan, on her travel to Canada and later at Mrs Alderman Parkinsons with Mary Whitney. Mrs Phelan takes the role of an adult with Grace and supports her through her mothers death ‘Mrs Phelan put her arm around me and wrapped me in her shawl’pg-139. There is a clear role reversal occurs at this point in Graces relationship with Mary Whitney. Although Whitney is older than Grace, Grace takes on the role of the adult and helps Whitney through her abortion by lending her money ‘And she asked if I would lend her my saving…And I said I would lend it to her with all my heart’ pg-202 and by being emotionally supportive ‘I put my arms around her pg-203. Although Whitney treats Grace as naïve and childlike ‘she said I shouldn’t ask and did not know what she meant’ in a sexual sense. Grace has completed her transition from a child to a women emotionally. I believe Atwood does this to make a mockery out of the argument that Grace was too young to understand the nature of her crime. Atwood then portrays Grace as manipulating public opinion, Grace is seen as ignorant and naïve by society so she plays on this. a far more intelligent impression of Grace is given to the reader. Atwood depicts women in general as underestimated and uses Grace to embody this view.
At some points in the novel Atwood makes women out as melodramatic creatures ‘cried passionately for an hour’ pg-202. However by using a certain type of language and sussanah moddies extracts she over dramatizes the situation. This enforces the idea that much of womens behaviour is a façade to gain sympathy and get what they want. Thus relating to the murder trial were Grace was seen as a genteel, naïve youth who couldn’t be capable of something so awful. Atwood mocks and aims to disprove this conception of women
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